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Semeru volcano (East-Java, Indonesia): Swiss climber missing for 10 days

Mon, 13 Jun 2016, 11:04 | BY: T
Access to the mountain was closed after a 26 year-old Swiss climber has been missing for 10 days now since he climbed the volcano on 3 June.
The young man who climbed the volcano without a guide was reported missing by a travel companion who had been in a different location for a few days and could notice his absence only 3 days later. Despite intense efforts, local search-and-rescue teams have so far been unsuccessful to locate the young man. It can only be speculated about his fate, but chances of his survival seem dwindling.
The most likely causes for the accident are lost orientation on the mountain during ascent or descent, or perhaps falling into one of the difficult-to-access steep ravines draining on the volcano's steep slopes.
Semeru with its 3676 m elevation can also be subject to extreme weather (lightning storms etc), in addition to elevated hazards, in the summit region, due to explosive volcanic activity. In 2000, several volcanologists were killed near the active crater by ballistic bombs ejected during an explosion.

Previous news

Wed, 8 Jun 2016, 06:00

Semeru volcano (Eastern Java, Indonesia) - Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report for 8 June-14 June 2016 (Continuing Activity)

Based on analysis of satellite images, the Darwin VAAC reported that a short-duration eruption from Semeru generated an ash plume that rose to an altitude of 3.7 km (12,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted over 25 km SW. ... Read all
Wed, 1 Jun 2016, 15:24

Semeru volcano (East-Java, Indonesia): continuing lava flow and small explosions

View of Semeru's lava flow on the southern flank (PVMBG webcam)
The activity has not changed significantly for several months at Java's highest and most active volcano. The lava flow on the upper southern flank of the volcano remains active. Due to the steep incline, incandescent rockfalls from its side and front are relatively frequent. ... Read all
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Semeru volcano
Stratovolcano 3676 m (12,060 ft)
East Java, Indonesia, -8.11°S / 112.92°E
Current status: erupting (4 out of 5) Semeru volcano eruptions:
1818, 1829, 1830, 1832, 1836, 1838, 1842, 1844, 1845, 1848, 1849(?), 1851, 1856, 1857, 1865, 1866(?), 1887, 1887, 1888, 1889-91, 1892, 1893, 1893-94, 1895, 1896, 1897, 1899, 1899, 1900, 1901, 1903, 1904, 1905, 1907, 1908, 1909-10, 1910-11, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1941-42, 1945, 1946, 1946-47, 1950-64, 1967-ongoing
Typical eruption style
Explosive. Near constant strombolian activity, occasionally stronger explosions, lava flows and pyroclastic flows.
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