Semeru Volcano Facts and the Learning Points of the Eruption

It is crucial to know the Semeru volcano facts, especially as the highest mountain on Java Island regularly erupts. The disaster risk mitigation can be improved by knowing the data of Semeru Volcano, its characteristics, and its surrounding natural environment.

Semeru Volcano Facts

Semeru is a volcano that attracts attention for climbing. Its status as an active volcano with regular annual eruptions makes it a highly cautious mountain. Despite the potential for major disasters resulting from Semeru's volcanic activity, there are several facts that need to be understood as a basis for further risk mitigation.

1. The Highest Volcano on Java Island

The first fact is that Semeru becomes the highest mountain on Java Island, at 3,676 meters above sea level. Its peak is called Mahameru. At this height, Semeru has the potential to spread eruption materials in various directions, increasing the impact area. The potential for lava floods and landslides is higher because the pyroclastic flow moves from top to bottom. Flight activity is also more hampered.

2. Regularly Erupts

Semeru is characterized by consistently increasing activity every year. Intensive monitoring is essential, given its routinely increasing activity and frequent eruptions.

3. The Peak Activity is at the End of the Year

Another fact is that peak volcanic activity always occurs at the end of the year. This is accompanied by an increase in activity status. Monitoring becomes more stringent as the status increases.

4. Has a Mixed Eruption Type

Semeru has a mixed eruption type, namely explosive and effusive. This eruption type significantly influences the impact. Conditions vary widely, with eruptions being solely explosive, solely effusive, and occasionally both occurring simultaneously.

Learning Points of the Eruption

Semeru volcano facts facilitate the evaluation of disaster risk mitigation programs. Through this understanding, much can be learned, evaluated, and prepared to minimize risks. Public safety remains a priority.

1. The Integrated Disaster Warning System

The disaster warning system consists of early warning and evacuation warning systems. Both provide warning signals when a potential disaster, including an eruption. This hazard detection is carried out by natural condition monitoring devices and detectors.

The warning system is interconnected. The system's success can be achieved if it is well integrated. Authorized officers need to regularly monitor the system's operation and its observations.

2. Determination of Safe Zones

Related to the risk of eruptions and lava floods, the determination of safe zones is important. The aim is to prevent people from occupying dangerous areas. A safe zone means that those not affected by previous eruptions and lava floods are not affected. This provides compensation for losses or the construction of new housing in the safe zones. Some have also lost their homes and land.

3. The Influence of Water on Volcano Activity

The influence of water on volcanic activity is a valuable lesson that is often overlooked. Several impacts are caused by the reaction of water in a mountain area and magma or eruptive material.

First, rainwater seeping into mountain cracks encounters rocks superheated by magma. It causes a steam explosion that is called a phreatic eruption. Second, cold lava floods caused by heavy rain in upstream areas will carry volcanic material along with the flood current to lower areas.

These various phenomena require vigilance through observation and prevention. Continuous monitoring of potential rainfall, water catchment areas, and forest areas in upstream areas is essential. Prevention is achieved through a weather warning system, establishing safe zones or radii, ensuring adequate water catchment areas, and preserving forest areas.

4. Reforestation in the Upstream Area

After an eruption, lava floods occur and can be worsened by heavy rain. If the upstream area has been deforested, the threat of flooding increases. Reforestation is necessary to maintain the forest in upstream areas. Tree numbers must be maintained to ensure adequate rainwater absorption by the roots. The soil structure also remains strong, supported by the root network.

All of this is done to prevent lava floods, at least to minimize their severity if they do occur. Landslides can also be avoided. These preventative measures require coordination between various parties to implement. Implement a selective cutting and planting system that effectively prevents illegal logging and forest conversion.

Semeru volcano facts and enhanced risk mitigation programs are crucial to prioritizing public safety. As part of risk mitigation, an early warning system is established before a disaster occurs. The warning signal is an alarm or siren accompanied by an emergency message. This emergency messaging system is crucial and must be maintained to provide comprehensive information.

An emergency message-sending based on SMS (Short Message Service) is available. Emergency messages are sent to mobile phones in real time. The range of this engine is extensive, from 500 m to 2 km, for all operators. The procurement of this specific engine by the government can be realized through smsbroadcaster.com.