Mount Ibu Eruption Launches 5 KM Volcanic Ash, Local Residents Asked To Use Masks

JAKARTA - The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) recorded an eruption activity that resulted in a five-kilometer column of ash from the top of Mount Ibu located northwest of Halmahera Island, North Maluku.

Head of PVMBG Hendra Gunawan in a report received in Jakarta, Monday, revealed that the eruption occurred this morning at 09.12 WIT. "The sound of a bang and a roar was heard as far as the observation post of Mount Ibu," he said, quoted from ANTARA, Monday, May 13. Hendra said the column of ash as high as five kilometers appeared gray to black with thick intensity leaning towards the west. The eruption was recorded through a seismogram with an amplitude of a maximum of 28 millimeters and a temporary duration of 5 minutes 6 seconds. When the report was made the eruption was still ongoing. PVMBG published a VONA color (Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation) which was used as a color code that was used to early warning of mountain eruptions for the sake of flight security. The VONE color code consists of red, orange, yellow, and green. "The VONE Colour of Mount Ibu from orange becomes red," said Hendra. Since May 8, 2024, the Mother Mountain which has an altitude of 1,325 meters above sea level is alert or level III. PVMBG increased the status of the strato-type volcano due to increased volcanic activity and seismicity. PVMBG recommends residents around Mount Ibu from climbing and approaching the mountain within a radius of 3 kilometers and a sectoral expansion 5 kilometers to the crater opening north of the active crater.

If ash rains occur, people who are active outside the home are advised to use a nose, mouth (mask) and eyes (glasses). "The public should always follow directions from the local government," concluded Hendra.