Mount Raung erupted again early Thursday morning, sending an ash plume rising approximately 2,000 meters above the crater, according to local authorities.
The latest eruption occurred at 4:43 a.m. local time, reported Agung Tri Subekti, an observation officer at the Mount Raung monitoring post in Mangaran Village, Banyuwangi Regency. This followed an earlier eruption at 12:44 a.m., which produced an ash column reaching 1,500 meters.
The Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) maintains Mount Raung’s alert status at Level II (Caution). Authorities advise residents and visitors to avoid approaching within a three-kilometer radius of the crater. Overnight stays in the caldera area are also prohibited.
Seismic monitoring over the past 24 hours recorded three volcanic earthquakes and three distant tectonic tremors near the volcano.
Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandiani urged the public to stay calm and follow official guidelines. “Do not panic and avoid spreading or believing unverified information or hoaxes,” she emphasized.
The Banyuwangi Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), led by Danang Hartanto, is coordinating closely with the Mount Raung Observation Post. Since June 14, the BPBD has closed all hiking trails to the summit following ash fall reported at the seventh climbing post. The closure remains in effect until further notice, pending updates on volcanic activity.
