Big Blast from Indonesia's Semeru Kills at Least 14 People

A massive explosive eruption from Semeru in Indonesia produced pyroclastic flows and ash fall that has killed over a dozen people.

Rocky Planet iconRocky Planet
By Erik Klemetti
Dec 6, 2021 6:20 PMDec 6, 2021 6:19 PM
Semeru Eruption December 4, 2021
Eruption plume from Semeru in Indonesia on December 4, 2021. Credit: BNPB Indonesia

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

An unexpectedly large explosive eruption from one of the largest Indonesia volcanoes has ended killing over a dozen people after pyroclastic flows roared down the mountain's slopes. Located on the Indonesia island of Java, Semeru has been erupting for almost 8 years now, but on December 4 the volcano unleashed a blast that reached over 50,000 feet (15 kilometers) when the lava dome at the summit likely collapsed due to heavy rains. Some of the footage from the minutes after the eruption are truly startling as people raced to escape the hot ash flows.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.