Jakarta (VNA) - Emergency evacuations are underway on Indonesia’s Halmahera Island, North Maluku province, after increased activity at Mount Ibu triggered a massive eruption, displacing thousands.
On January 15, Mount Ibu erupted, spewing ash columns up to 4 km high. Indonesia’s Geological Agency raised the alert to its highest level, prompting local authorities to call for the evacuation of approximately 3,000 residents living near the volcano.
By the morning of January 16, around 520 residents from the closest village had been evacuated, with the remaining evacuations expected to conclude by evening.
However, efforts have been hampered by administrative and logistical issues, along with heavy rain on January 16, complicating evacuation operations.
Mount Ibu, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, has erupted nine times in January alone. Residents and tourists have been warned to stay at least 5–6 km from the crater and wear masks to protect against falling ash.
Indonesia, located along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” has 127 active volcanoes. Mount Ibu previously erupted in May last year, forcing evacuations from seven nearby villages./.
VNA
