Indonesia’s Mount Semeru, Java’s highest peak, erupted on Wednesday, sending hot ash, lava, and gas up to 7 km down its slopes and prompting authorities to raise the alert to the highest level.

More than 300 residents from three villages in Lumajang district were evacuated, and the danger zone was extended to 8 km from the crater, with people advised to avoid the Besuk Kobokan River path of lava flow.

Around 178 people, including climbers, guides, and park officials, were stranded at the Ranu Kumbolo monitoring post but remained safe as the hot clouds flowed in a different direction.

The volcano has a history of deadly eruptions, including in December 2021, when 51 people were killed and hundreds more affected, The Guardian has reported.

Indonesia, located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is highly prone to volcanic activity and earthquakes, with tens of thousands of people living on Semeru’s fertile slopes.