Mount Ibu Eruption Issues Volcanic Ash As High As 500 Meters

Mount Api Ibu kembali rupsi dengan meluarkan ibu setinggi 500 meter di atas gunung itu, Jumat (20/12/2024). ANTARA/Abdul Fatah (Abdul Fatah)

TERNATE - The Mother's Volcano Observation Post (PGA) in West Halmahera Regency, North Maluku, on Friday (20/12) at around 16.21 WIT reported that the volcano erupted again by removing ash as high as 500 meters.

"Yes, it is true that 500 meters of ash was removed," said PGA Ibu officer in West Halmahera Regency, Rivaldi, as reported by ANTARA, Friday, December 20.

The eruption of Mount Ibu emitted a column of ash which was observed to be white to gray with thick intensity leaning towards the northeast. This eruption, he continued, was recorded on a seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 28 mm and a duration of approximately 55 seconds.

"Currently, the condition of Mount Ibu is still at Level III or Alert," he said.

Therefore, he said, the people around Mount Ibu and tourists should not move within a 4 kilometer radius and the sectoral expansion is 5.5 kilometers to the crater opening in the northern part of the active crater of the mountain.

"If ash rains, people who are active outside the home are advised to wear masks or glasses, in order to avoid exposure to the volcanic ash," said Rivaldi.

He hopes that all parties will maintain a conducive situation, not spread false narratives, and not be provoked by issues with unclear sources, while asking the public to always follow directions from local governments.

The West Halmahera Regency Government (Pemkab), he continued, should always coordinate with the Center for Volcanology and Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) of the Geological Agency in Bandung or with the PGA Masul Post in Gam Ici Village to obtain direct information about volcanic activity as high as 1,325 meters above sea level.