Mount Ibu “Coughs” Again, Halmahera Residents Urged to Stay Within 3.5 Kilometers of the Crater

HALMAHERA - Mount Ibu in West Halmahera Regency, North Maluku, erupted again on Wednesday afternoon, spewing an ash column 500 meters above the summit.

"The eruption occurred at around 1:07 PM WIT, with the ash column observed reaching 500 meters above the summit," said Richard Chaniago, an officer at the Ibu Volcano Observation Post (PGA), in a written statement received by Antara in Ternate on Wednesday, November 12.

Richard explained that the ash column was gray, thick, and tilted southeastward. The eruption was recorded on a seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 28 mm and a duration of approximately 1 minute and 1 second.

Currently, Mount Ibu, which stands 1,325 meters above sea level, is at Level II (Alert) status.

PGA Ibu urges residents around the mountain and visitors to avoid activities within a two-kilometer radius of the active crater and within a 3.5-kilometer radius of the crater opening in the north.

"If ash falls, people who are outside are advised to wear masks and protective eyewear to avoid exposure to volcanic ash," said Richard.

He also reminded the public not to spread false information or rumors without clear sources, and to always follow official directions from the local government.

Furthermore, the West Halmahera Regency Government is urged to continue coordinating with the Bandung Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) or the Ibu PGA Post in Gam Ici Village, Ibu District, to obtain the latest information on the volcano's activity.