Mount Ibu Eruption Continues, Number of Refugees in West Halmahera Reaches 664 People

Evacuation of West Halmahera residents due to the eruption of Mount Ibu (doc BNPB)

JAKARTA - The number of evacuees affected by the eruption of Mount Ibu in West Halmahera continues to increase. As of Monday, January 20, 664 people have left the danger zone. This figure has increased from the previous data, Saturday, January 18, which recorded 404 people.

"664 evacuees have been evacuated and placed in evacuation points," said the Commander of the Post, Colonel Arm Adietya Yuni Nurtono, in his statement.

There are six main evacuation points spread across several locations, namely the Tongute Sungi Village Office, Tongute Sungi Church, Tongute Goin Elementary School, Akesibu Church, Akesibu Vocational School, and Akesibu Elementary School. The evacuation process was carried out intensively and continued throughout the day.

"Evacuation is carried out 24 hours. Personnel and vehicles are on standby at any time. Like last night, we evacuated residents at 23.00 Eastern Indonesian Time (WIT)," said Adietya.

However, the increase in the number of evacuees has given rise to new challenges, especially in the distribution of logistics. Adietya said that additional vehicles will soon be brought in to meet logistical needs at the evacuation site.

"With the increasing number of refugees, logistics distribution points will automatically increase. We will add a fleet of vehicles to ensure that needs are met," he added.

Based on the report from the Ibu Volcano Observation Post, since Sunday, January 19 at 00.00 a.m. to 18.00 WIT, there have been 54 eruptions. The height of the eruption column varies between 400 and 1,500 meters.

The government continues to urge residents to obey the directions of officers and stay away from the danger zone. The current safe radius is 5 km from the active crater, with a sectoral expansion of 6 km towards the crater opening.

"Public safety is the main priority. We urge residents to remain in safe locations and follow the instructions of officers in the field," concluded Adietya.