Ibu Volcano in Indonesia Erupts, Emitting Ash Clouds Up to 5 km High
This handout photo taken and released by the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) on May 13, 2024 shows Mount Ibu spewing thick smoke in Indonesia's North Maluku Province.
Monday morning witnessed the eruption of Indonesia's Ibu volcano, expelling thick columns of grey ash several kilometers into the sky, as confirmed by the country's volcanology agency. The eruption, occurring at 9:12 a.m. (0012 GMT) on the remote island of Halmahera, lasted approximately five minutes, projecting ash up to 5 km (3.1 miles) high, officials reported.
This event follows a smaller eruption recorded on Friday. The volcano's alert status remains at the second-highest level, according to Hendra Gunawan, head of Indonesia's Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Centre. As a precautionary measure, all activities within a five-kilometer radius of the volcano have been prohibited. Residents near the volcano are advised to wear masks and glasses in case of ash rain.
Footage of the eruption shared by the center depicted clouds of grey ash billowing from the crater, accompanied by a booming noise. No evacuation of residents has been reported thus far. Indonesia, situated on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," is home to 127 active volcanoes, according to the volcanology agency. Recent volcanic activity includes the eruption of North Sulawesi's Ruang volcano, which prompted the evacuation of over 12,000 people, and the eruption of Marapi volcano in December, resulting in more than 20 fatalities.
