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Oleh Filmon Warouw, Kamis, 21 Maret 2019 | 12:28 WIB - Redaktur: Filmon Warouw - 1K
Jakarta, InfoPublik – Mount Bromo had fluctuating eruption level almost every day. However, this activity was not yet considered as dangerous because it only spewed volcanic ash and sand, not gravel or incandescent lava from the crater.
“On Mar. 19 at 6 am to 12 pm local time, eruptions occurred 5 times. We observed medium to high pressure crater smoke in gray and black colors with medium to high intensity as well as a height of 900 to 1,500 meters from the peak of the crater. Rain of volcanic ash fell at the Observation Post of Mount Bromo. There were rumbling and clattering heard from the crater,” said National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) spokesperson Sutopo Purwo Nugroho in a written statement, Tuesday (3/19).
Previously, there were 28 eruptions on Monday (3/18) with amplitude of 25 to 34 mm for 17 to 889 seconds and continuous tremors with amplitude of 0.5 to 30 mm, with a dominant of 2 mm. The height of volcanic ash column was in the range of 500 to 1,500 meters with low, medium, to high pressure crater smoke. The smoke was white, gray, and black in color with thin, medium, and thick intensity.
Despite erupting almost every day, he explained, Mount Bromo’s status remains on Caution (level II) alert. People living in the surrounding area, visitors, tourists, and hikers are prohibited from being within a 1-kilometer radius from the active crater.
Locals and tourists visiting Mt. Bromo are advised to wear masks and goggles to avoid volcanic ash.
The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry's Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Center (PVMBG) continues to monitor volcanic activities. Malang, Pasuruan, Lumajang, and Probolinggo Disaster Mitigation Agencies (BPBD) took anticipatory measures for an increase in alert level and distributed masks to visitors.
Tourism activities in Mount Bromo remain normal. Volcanic ash distribution does not disrupt flight paths with Abdul Rachman Saleh Malang Airport operating normally.
“People do not need to be afraid of Mount Bromo eruptions. They should enjoy eruptions that could not be found in any mountains. There are blessings to be found behind the eruptions,” he explained.
Moreover, there was a river-like flow on the surface of Bromo Sea of Sand.
According to him, rain that fell on the west side of Mt. Bromo’s peak in Pasuruan area flowed across the Sea of Sand on Mt. Bromo and it was absorbed into Bromo Sea of Sand.
Therefore, he explained that Mount Bromo’s tourism is still safe. “Do not be afraid or worried with eruptions. Bromo remains beautiful and full of memories,” he concluded. (Jhon Rico, Wisnu Wardoyo)
