Jakarta: Mount Semeru in Indonesia erupted on Wednesday, prompting the country's volcanology agency to elevate the alert level of the mountain to its highest status, Level IV. The eruption saw the mountain spew a substantial column of smoke and ash approximately 2 kilometers (nearly 1.24 miles) above its peak in East Java's Lumajang Regency.

According to Anadolu Agency, Lumajang Regent Indah Amperawati urged residents near the mountain to prioritize their safety by evacuating to designated locations prepared by the government. A government statement confirmed that the mountain's alert level is now at Level IV, the highest in the country.

Semeru, towering at 3,676 meters (12,060 feet) above sea level, is among Indonesia's most active volcanoes, known for its history of eruptions, some of which have been deadly. Indonesia, situated on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire,' often experiences seismic activity and is home to over 120 active volcanoes.