HALMAHERA, Indonesia: Mount Ibu, situated on the island of Halmahera in Indonesia’s North Maluku province, erupted early on Sunday morning, casting a towering column of ash more than two miles into the sky. The eruption, which occurred at 12:37 am local time, unleashed a thick plume of dark smoke and ash, billowing westward from the volcano’s peak.
According to Axl Roeroe, an official at Mount Ibu’s monitoring post, the eruption persisted for over three minutes, with the ash reaching an astonishing height of 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) above the volcano’s summit. In response to the eruption, authorities swiftly issued a warning, urging both residents and tourists to steer clear of the volcano and maintain a safe distance of at least two kilometers from the crater.
Despite the eruption, the alert level for Mount Ibu remained at a moderate level two on the four-tiered system, and no immediate evacuation orders were issued. However, authorities cautioned individuals to take precautions, advising the use of face masks and protective eyewear when venturing outdoors, as well as preparing for potential ashfall in the surrounding areas.
Indonesia, renowned for its stunning landscapes and abundant natural beauty, is situated within the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” rendering it prone to frequent seismic and volcanic activity. Just weeks ago, Mount Ruang, located in North Sulawesi, experienced a similar eruption, prompting the evacuation of thousands of residents and the temporary closure of the Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado, located over 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the volcano’s crater.
As Indonesia continues to grapple with the inherent risks posed by its volcanic terrain, authorities remain vigilant in monitoring Mount Ibu and other active volcanoes across the archipelago, underscoring the imperative of preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters.
