Eruption of Mount Ibu in Indonesia Triggers Flight Alerts
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Jakarta, Dec 31 (NationPress) Earlier this Tuesday, Mount Ibu, situated in North Maluku province of Indonesia, experienced a significant eruption, resulting in an aviation warning issued by the country's Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Centre.
The most intense eruption took place at 5:18 a.m. local time, projecting a cloud of ash soaring up to three kilometers into the atmosphere. This dense gray plume drifted predominantly to the southeast and east of the volcano.
Individuals residing near the mountain's slopes are strictly forbidden from partaking in any activities within a four-kilometer radius of the crater, which extends up to 5.5 kilometers in the northern areas. The center advises that residents should don facemasks, sunglasses, and nasal protectors during outdoor activities when volcanic ash falls.
Currently, Mount Ibu, located in West Halmahera Regency, has been placed at the second-highest alert level. To address the risks posed by volcanic ash to aviation, an orange level Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation has been issued, limiting flights within five kilometers of the volcano. Aircraft are also advised to be on alert for potential ash clouds that may interfere with air traffic.
With a height of 1,325 meters, Mount Ibu ranks among Indonesia's 127 active volcanoes, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Previously, on November 14, Mount Ibu erupted, releasing an ash column that reached up to 3 kilometers high, which similarly prompted a second-highest aviation alert, according to the Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center.
This eruption occurred at 2:22 p.m. local time, ejecting gray ash primarily to the west of the crater.
Residents were once again warned against engaging in activities within a 5-kilometer radius of the crater and were advised to wear face masks outdoors.
An aviation notice had been issued at the orange level, marking the second-highest warning, which prohibited flights near Mount Ibu.
In August 2009, the Volcanological Survey of Indonesia elevated the eruption alert level for Ibu to Orange.
In 2023, a staggering total of 21,100 eruptions were recorded from the volcano, making it the second most active volcano in Indonesia.
The activities of Ibu followed a series of eruptions from various volcanoes across Indonesia, which is located on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire' and is home to 127 active volcanoes.
