Mount Ibu's Recent Eruption Triggers Ash Clouds and Evacuations in Indonesia

On Sunday, Indonesia’s Mount Ibu erupted once again, sending a dense, grey ash plume 7,000 meters into the atmosphere. This volcano, located on an island in the eastern North Maluku province, experienced a vigorous six-minute eruption, as stated by Muhammad Wafid, the chief of Indonesia’s Geology Agency. The eruption produced a striking column of ash, dispersing volcanic materials such as ash and sand.

The eruption’s westward winds carried these volcanic materials to a field in Gam Ici village, where evacuees had sought refuge. Abdul Muhari, the National Disaster Management Agency’s spokesperson, announced that a response team is being dispatched to evaluate the situation and provide necessary aid. Residents have been cautioned to avoid outdoor activities and remain indoors due to the continuous fall of ash and sand.

Since early May, Mount Ibu has been in a state of persistent eruption, prompting Indonesian officials to elevate the alert level to its maximum following several recent eruptions. Indonesia, with a population of 270 million, hosts 120 active volcanoes and frequently encounters volcanic events due to its position along the "Ring of Fire," a major area in the Pacific Ocean basin prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

In recent weeks, North Sulawesi’s Ruang volcano also erupted, emitting incandescent lava and leading to the evacuation of more than 12,000 residents from a nearby island. Authorities have issued a tsunami warning in the wake of Ruang’s eruption. Video footage from the disaster agency depicted lightning strikes above Ruang’s crater, with fiery red clouds of lava and rocks being projected into the air and raining down on the island.

These recent volcanic activities underscore the continual geological hazards in Indonesia. The country’s disaster management agencies remain alert and prepared to address the threats posed by these active volcanoes.