JAKARTA, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Mount Semeru, located in Indonesia's East Java province, erupted on Friday evening, sending an ash column approximately 2,000 meters above the summit, according to the Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG).

The eruption produced a white to gray ash plume drifting southeast and a pyroclastic flow along a river with a run of about 2 kilometers, the PVMBG reported.

Authorities have maintained Semeru at Level III, warning residents to avoid activity within 5 km of the crater and within 13 km along the southeastern river valley.

People have also been advised to remain at least 500 meters from riverbanks along potential lahar paths, which could extend up to 17 km from the summit. ■