Indonesian authorities have evacuated over 900 people and assisted the safe return of 170 climbers stranded after Mount Semeru, one of Indonesia’s tallest volcanoes, erupted on Wednesday. The volcano, located on Java island, erupted 10 times in a single day, sending massive plumes of ash into the sky and hurling lava and rocks up to 13 kilometers down its slopes. Authorities maintained the highest alert level in response to the eruption.

Climbers had been stranded overnight at a lakeside campsite approximately 6.4 kilometers from the crater. Semeru National Park official Septi Wardhani confirmed that all climbers and their guides were now safe and that the situation was under control. Footage from Indonesia’s volcanology agency showed thick clouds of hot ash blanketing the slopes.

Mount Semeru, which rises 3,676 meters, last experienced a major eruption in December 2021, claiming at least 51 lives and covering nearby villages in ash. The volcano is one of around 130 active volcanoes in Indonesia, which lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a highly seismic region prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity.

East Java’s rescue agency deployed dozens of personnel to aid the evacuation, relocating 956 residents from areas near the volcano to schools, mosques, and government buildings. Agency official Prahista Dian stated that teams are continuing to search for any remaining residents who may be trapped. Authorities continue to monitor Semeru closely as residents and climbers are moved to safer locations.