The Ibu volcano, situated on Halmahera Island in Indonesia's North Maluku province, experienced an eruption around 11 a.m. local time lasting approximately 90 seconds, as reported by the country's Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG). During this event, ash was ejected up to 1,200 meters above the volcano's peak.
An officer from the volcano's monitoring post, Efrita Saragih, described the ash column as gray in color, with a notably thick intensity directed towards the southeast.
Standing at an elevation of about 1,300 meters above sea level, the Ibu volcano is categorized at the second danger level, which is below the highest level, Level IV. According to PVMBG, this marks the 60th eruption recorded at the site since the beginning of the current year.
Saragih urged the public to avoid activities within a radius of 3.5 kilometers from the volcano's crater for safety reasons, emphasizing the importance of wearing protective gear such as masks for the nose, mouth, and eyes when volcanic ash is present.
Indonesia, situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, is renowned for its high volcanic activity and is among the countries worldwide with a significant number of active volcanoes.
(With Agency Inputs)
ALSO READ | Top Indian-Origin Ally of Trump Warns of Media Targeting if Admin is Re-elected
