JAKARTA, Jan 11 – Indonesia’s Mount Ibu, situated on Halmahera Island in North Maluku province, erupted on Saturday evening, releasing hot lava and a towering column of ash and smoke up to four kilometers into the sky.
The eruption occurred at 7.45 pm local time (1145 GMT), creating a fiery display visible from miles away. The Geological Agency’s head, Muhammad Wafid, confirmed that lava was spotted as far as two kilometers from the volcano’s center.
Images captured by the volcano monitoring post revealed a striking scene of bright red flames illuminating the sky, with thick dark smoke billowing above the crater. Authorities have kept the volcano at the second-highest alert level, indicating significant ongoing activity.
While no new evacuation orders have been issued, nearby residents and visitors were advised to stay clear of a zone spanning 4 to 5.5 kilometers from the summit. Officials also urged locals to wear face masks and protective goggles as a precaution against potential volcanic ash rain.
Mount Ibu is one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, recording over 2,000 eruptions in 2023 alone. Despite its frequent activity, more than 700,000 people live on Halmahera Island, according to 2022 official statistics.
Indonesia, located along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” experiences regular volcanic and seismic activity. In 2023, Mount Ruang in North Sulawesi province erupted multiple times, prompting mass evacuations from nearby islands.
As authorities monitor the situation closely, residents are reminded to stay vigilant and follow safety guidelines to minimize risks from this natural phenomenon.