Mount Ibu Halmahera Barat Eruption Again, Volcanic Ash As High As 700 Meters

Mount Ibu erupted again by ejecting 700 meters high ash above the top of the mountain, Friday (27/12/2024). ANTARA/Abdul Fatah

TERNATE - The observation post of the Mother's Volcano (PGA) in West Halmahera Regency, North Maluku, on Friday (27/12) reported that the volcano erupted again by ejecting ash as high as 700 meters above the top of the mountain.

"Mother's mount erupted again with a height of volcanic ash as high as 700 meters," said PGA Ibu Post officer in West Halmahera Regency, Richard Chaniago as reported by ANTARA, Friday, December 27.

He explained that the column of ash was observed to be gray with thick intensity leaning towards the Northwest and this eruption was recorded on a seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 28 mm and a duration of > 1 minute 47 seconds.

"Currently, the condition of the volcano as high as 1,325 meters above sea level is still at Level III or Alert," he said.

Communities around Mount Ibu and tourists are asked not to move within a 4 kilometer radius and to expand sectorally to a distance of 5.5 kilometers towards 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 mountain ash," he said.

PGA Ibu Post Officers hope that all parties, in order to maintain the conduciveness of the atmosphere in the community, do not spread false narratives and are not provoked by unclear issues while asking the public to always follow directions from the Regional Government.

The West Halmahera Regency Government should always coordinate with the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation in Bandung or with the Mount Ibu Observation Post in Gam Ici Village to get direct information about the volcanic activity.