Evacuation of residents vulnerable to the impact of the Semeru eruption has begun.

MALANG, KOMPAS - The evacuation of residents at risk of exposure to the effects of the eruption of Mount Semeru has begun. In Lumajang Regency, East Java, for instance, the Quick Reaction Team has started to reach out to residents and distribute masks.

Since Wednesday (19/11/2025) afternoon, patrols and evacuations of residents have been carried out by the Quick Reaction Team of the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Lumajang. They, for instance, have been searching for residents in the area of Mount Sawur, which is vulnerable to the impacts of an eruption.

Several evacuation sites have also been prepared. Residents are provided with temporary housing at the Oro-oro Ombo Village Hall and SD Oro-oro Ombo 03.

The Head of the East Java Regional Disaster Management Agency, Gatot Soebroto, stated on Wednesday that they continue to coordinate with the Semeru Volcano Observation Service and the Lumajang Regional Disaster Management Agency regarding the developments in Semeru's activity.

He stated that as of Wednesday afternoon, the hot clouds continued to occur with a maximum amplitude of 34 millimeters and were tending to move northward. Previously, hot clouds from Semeru were reported to have reached a distance of 14 kilometers from the summit of the mountain.

In addition, access to the Gladak Perak bridge in Candipuro District, Lumajang, has also been closed. The smell of sulfur has been reported to cause discomfort and respiratory issues for local residents.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Emergency and Logistics Division of the Malang Regency BPBD, Sadono Irawan, stated that the impact of the Semeru eruption has not yet occurred in Malang. One of the areas that is a primary concern is the Poncokusumo District.

"The district is located in the easternmost part of Malang Regency and borders Lumajang. We are still coordinating with colleagues in the field regarding the Semeru eruption in the Lumajang area," he said.

In response to this incident, the Head of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park Authority, Rudijanta Tjahja Nugraha, stated that the ascent to Semeru via the Ranu Kumbolo route has been declared closed.

This is based on the recommendation of the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation at the Geological Agency regarding the increase in status and considering the danger radius, which is 8 kilometers from the summit and 20 kilometers to the southeast.