BNPB Reveals Potential Cold Lava Floods On Mount Ibu

Photo: Doc. Antara

The head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) revealed the potential danger of the cold lava flood in Mount Ibu in West Halmahera, North Maluku, which recently experienced an eruption.

The statement was made by the Head of BNPB Suharyanto in a coordination meeting related to the emergency handling of the eruption of Mount Ibu at the West Halmahera Regent's Office, Friday, May 31.

According to him, as reported by Antara, the potential disaster hazard was detected based on the results of an analysis from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) and the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy, Mineral Resources (ESDM) which were reported to BNPB.

In its report, the results of the analysis of the BMKG expert team found that there was an atmospheric phenomenon in the form of rossby's equatorial activity which could affect the North Maluku region in the next few days, potentially hit by moderate-heavy rain.

In theory, the pouring rain has the opportunity to abort the remaining material in the form of sand and rocks from volcanic activity that settles in the top/malls of Mount Ibu to the valley area.

This condition must be watched out for by all parties, especially because according to him, based on a temporary report from the Geological Agency team of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, it was found that there were 13 points prone to the flow of Mount Ibu lava that led to several residential areas.

"The expert team is ready to be sent to sharpen risk studies. If there is a buildup of remaining materials for the eruption, it must be cleaned immediately because it is dangerous," he said.

The head of BNPB emphasized that he hoped that this potential danger should also be a serious concern for community members who live close to Mount Ibu; under these conditions, they must obey what is directed by the government.

The reason is that he does not want the impact of the cold lava flood in Mount Marapi in West Sumatra on May 11, 2024, to repeat itself in West Halmahera.

The cold lava flood of Mount Marapi that hit four regencies/cities in West Sumatra caused heavy damage and casualties. BNPB noted that 62 people died, 10 people are still missing to date.

"We should not overestimate, but this must be. The results of the study and field analysis can later be used as mitigation and preparedness steps because public safety is the highest law," he said.