Lumajang, East Java (ANTARA) – Mount Semeru in East Java erupted nine times on Saturday, sending ash plumes up to 1,000 meters above the summit, authorities said, as officials maintained an alert status and urged residents to avoid high-risk zones.The 3,676-meter volcano recorded its first eruption at 12:07 a.m., producing an ash column about 700 meters high, drifting southward with moderate intensity, according to monitoring data.“The highest eruption occurred at 5:19 a.m., with an ash column reaching around 1,000 meters above the summit,” Mount Semeru Observation Post officer Liswanto said in a report.He said the ninth eruption took place at 6:22 a.m., with an ash column rising about 700 meters above the summit, or roughly 4,376 meters above sea level.“The ash plume was gray and thick, moving westward. It was recorded with a maximum amplitude of 22 mm and lasted 141 seconds,” he added.Liswanto said volcanic activity remains dominated by eruption-related earthquakes.Monitoring data showed 17 eruption earthquakes recorded on Saturday morning, with amplitudes ranging from 12 to 22 mm and durations between 56 and 112 seconds.Mount Semeru, located on the border of Lumajang and Malang districts, remains at Level III (Alert) status.The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) has issued safety recommendations, including banning activities in the southeastern sector along Besuk Kobokan within 13 kilometers of the summit.Authorities also prohibited activities within 500 meters of riverbanks along Besuk Kobokan due to the risk of lava flows reaching up to 17 kilometers.Residents are also barred from entering a five-kilometer radius from the crater due to the danger of falling volcanic material.Liswanto warned of potential lava flows along rivers and valleys originating from the summit.High-risk areas include Besuk Kobokan, Besuk Bang, Besuk Kembar and Besuk Sat, as well as smaller tributaries connected to the main river system.Authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and follow official guidance as volcanic activity continues.