Indonesian volcano erupts sending ash 5 kilometers skyward

Photo : AP

In a significant eruption, Mount Ibu, a volcano situated in eastern Indonesia, released a towering column of ash reaching up to five kilometers (3.1 miles) into the sky on Wednesday, marking one of its most substantial eruptions this year. Despite the intensity of the eruption, no immediate reports of damage or casualties surfaced. However, striking images captured the dramatic scene as the massive ash plume billowed above the remote island of Halmahera in North Maluku province where Mount Ibu is located.

The eruption, characterized by a dense and expansive ash column, prompted Indonesia's Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation to issue advisories urging locals and tourists to steer clear of the volcano's crater, maintaining a safe distance of at least five kilometers. Additionally, residents engaging in outdoor activities were advised to use protective gear for their nose, mouth, and eyes in the event of ashfall.

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This recent eruption follows another significant event on Monday, during which Mount Ibu discharged another towering ash plume, once again reaching five kilometers above its summit. Notably, last week, authorities escalated the volcano's alert status to the second-highest level in anticipation of heightened volcanic activity.

Mount Ibu, renowned as one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, recorded over 21,000 eruptions just last year. The volcano's heightened activity poses potential risks to the more than 700,000 residents inhabiting Halmahera island. Situated within the Pacific "Ring of Fire," Indonesia frequently encounters seismic and volcanic events due to its geographical location.

This eruption comes shortly after Mount Ruang, located in North Sulawesi province, erupted multiple times last month, compelling thousands of residents from nearby islands to evacuate. Mount Ruang remains under the highest alert level, signifying ongoing monitoring and potential threats posed by volcanic activity.