Indonesia’s Mount Ibu, located on the remote island of Halmahera, erupted on Monday morning, spewing thick columns of gray ash high into the sky. The eruption, which began at approximately 9:12 a.m. local time and lasted for around five minutes, propelled ash to an altitude of up to 5 kilometers, according to officials from the country’s volcanology agency. The eruption prompted authorities to raise the alert status of the volcano to the second-highest level, prohibiting all activities within a five-kilometer radius of the crater. Residents living near the volcano were advised to wear masks and glasses in the event of ashfall.
The eruption of Mount Ibu comes amidst a period of heightened volcanic activity in Indonesia, a country situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” In recent weeks, Ruang volcano in North Sulawesi has erupted, spewing incandescent lava and lightning from its crater, prompting the evacuation of over 12,000 people living on a nearby island. In December, the eruption of Marapi volcano, one of Sumatra’s most active volcanoes, claimed the lives of over 20 people, releasing gray ash clouds that reached an altitude of up to 3 kilometers.
Indonesia’s volcanology agency maintains a close watch on the country’s 127 active volcanoes, monitoring their activity and issuing warnings when necessary. The agency’s efforts are crucial in mitigating the risks associated with volcanic eruptions, helping to protect the lives and property of Indonesia’s citizens.
