A Sobering Diary Entry: Mount Semeru's Eruption in 2021
In the early hours of October 26, 2021, Mount Semeru, one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, erupted with a force that undoubtedly captured the attention of the entire world. As I stand today, reflecting on that day, I am compelled to document the events not just as a record, but as a diary entry that captures the raw emotion and raw reality of what unfolded.
Who
Mount Semeru, also known as Mount Bromo in the Selo, forms part of the Tengger caldera, a popular tourist destination in East Java, Indonesia. It was an area familiar to my family and friends who frequently visited. Many of them felt the need to return just to witness the power of this majestic mountain, but little did they know what this visit would mean for their safety.
Myself, a young volcanologist, had foreseen the possibility of an eruption, but I never imagined it would come with such force. I documented the warning signs meticulously, understanding that the last major eruption in 2014 had taught us the importance of constant observation and preparation.
What
Mount Semeru erupted violently around 5:30 AM, sending a mushroom cloud of ash and smoke reaching up to 5 kilometers into the atmosphere. The power of the eruption was unparalleled – it shook the ground, deformed the landscape, and spearheaded a mushroom cloud of ash, smoke, and gas that instantly altered the surrounding environment.
Where
My location at the time was near the southeast slope of the mountain, where we were planning to conduct a monitoring expedition. I was with a team of fellow volcanologists, some of whom had not even evacuated in time before the eruption, trapped in their research stations due to heavy rainfall. The eruption was so sudden that it cut off communication, leaving us in complete isolation.
When
The eruption began early in the morning, and it lasted for several hours. The initial phase of the eruption ended approximately 7:00 AM as the ash plume began to settle. However, activity continued intermittently throughout the day, with smaller explosions and ash emissions.
How
The eruption was an explosion that sent a massive cloud of ash and gas into the air. The shockwave from this explosion was felt as far as tens of kilometers away, collapsing buildings and causing panic among nearby communities. The seismic activity was intense, and the noise was akin to a freight train moving through a quiet town.
What struck me the most at the moment was the immediate aftermath – the complete devastation. Our monitoring equipment was destroyed, and there was a thin layer of ash covering everything, turning the once vibrant green fields into a barren, ashen landscape. It was as if the world had been hit by a silent, invisible storm, yet it was the loudest sound I have ever heard.
How I Felt
Initially, there was a sense of shock. We were astonishment and disbelief at the suddenness and force of the eruption. As the reality began to set in, there was a mix of fear, anxiety, and a sense of powerlessness. The thoughts that raced through my mind were predominantly about the safety of my team and the nearby communities. There was a collective sense of sorrow for the loss, both physical and emotional, that communities would face in the aftermath.
As the day progressed, we regrouped and worked together to ensure the safety of our fellow team members and to take stock of the situation. The sense of loss was profound, and it was clear that the communities around Mount Semeru would face a long recovery process. It was a humbling experience, reminding me of the unpredictability and power of nature. The eruption also made us acutely aware of the need for better preparedness and response mechanisms for such events.
Reflection and Thoughts
The eruption of Mount Semeru in 2021 was not just a scientific event but a deeply personal and emotional experience. It highlighted the vulnerability of human life in the face of unfolding natural disasters and the importance of community resilience. It served as a critical reminder of the need for rigorous scientific monitoring and community education to prevent such tragedies in the future.
While the physical rebuilding can take years, the emotional recovery is a continuous process. In the days and weeks that followed, we were struck by the resilience of the survivors, their courage, and their ability to rebuild amidst the chaos. Every survivor’s story is unique, and their courage and resilience are what sustain us during these trying times.
My experience with Mount Semeru's eruption has left a lasting impression on me. It has underscored the importance of not just responding to disasters but also preparing for them. The lessons learned from this event are crucial not just for personal reflection but for shaping public policies and community responses to volcanic eruptions and other natural hazards.
Conclusion
A diary entry is a space to examine one's thoughts and feelings, to make sense of complex emotions, and to connect with oneself. This entry marks a significant moment – a moment of tragedy, resilience, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. It serves as a reminder that while we may not have control over the natural world, we can control our thoughts and actions in response to it.
In the journey of life, we all have our moments of turmoil and triumph. Writing them down helps us navigate through the chaos and find peace. This diary entry is a testament to that journey and a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, there is always hope.