A volcano in eastern Indonesia erupted on Wednesday, releasing ash five kilometres (3.1 miles) into the atmosphere in one of its most significant eruptions this year. No immediate damage or casualties were reported, but photos displayed a massive ash plume rising above Mount Ibu on the remote Halmahera island in North Maluku province.
The extensive grey and black ash cloud was “observed in thick intensity and drifting towards the west,” according to a statement from Indonesia’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation. The centre advised locals and tourists to avoid the area within five kilometres of Ibu’s crater.
Indonesia frequently experiences seismic and volcanic activity due to its location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”
“If ash fall occurs, individuals engaging in outdoor activities are recommended to use nose, mouth, and eye protection,” the statement added.
Ibu also erupted on Monday, sending another ash plume five kilometres above its summit. Last week, authorities elevated Ibu’s alert status to the second-highest level.
Mount Ibu ranks among Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, having erupted over 21,000 times last year. Official figures indicate that as of 2022, more than 700,000 people resided on Halmahera island. Indonesia, an extensive archipelago, frequently experiences seismic and volcanic activity due to its location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire.”
Last month, Mount Ruang in North Sulawesi province erupted over half a dozen times, compelling thousands of nearby island residents to evacuate. It continues to hold the highest alert level.