Indonesia issued its highest alert for travellers after Mount Semeru volcano in East Java erupted several times on Sunday 4 December 2022, while Samoa also reported a 6.7-magnitude earthquake yesterday morning.
Indonesia’s transport ministry said the volcano eruption had not affected air travel however two regional airports were advised to be vigilant.
According to the Smart Traveller website, the Level IV (Beware) alert includes the evacuation of almost 2,000 people from villages in the vicinity of the volcano near Lumajang City and an exclusion zone applies.
Travellers are advised to avoid the area and follow the advice of local authorities.
Authorities said roads are closed and a volcanic ash cloud is affecting air quality and obstructing views of the mountain.
The eruption, 640km east of the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, follows a series of earthquakes in West Java, including a 5.6-magnitude quake that killed more than 300 people in late November.
Java’s tallest mountain, Semeru erupted just last year, killing more than 50 people and displacing thousands.
South Pacific quakes
The strong earthquake that hit Samoa has also triggered tsunami warnings, prompting locals to head inland as a precaution.
A tsunami advisory was issued by the Samoa Meteorological Service but was later cancelled.
Locals take tsunami advisories very seriously in Samoa, following the 2009 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that resulted in the deaths of 192 people.
The quake came about 25 minutes after a 5.5 magnitude quake southeast of Vanuatu and New Caledonia.
Smart Traveller has not changed its current traveller advice for Samoa.
For the latest info, visit smarttraveller.gov.au
