Inp.polri.go.id - Ternate. Mount Ibu in West Halmahera, North Maluku, erupted on Saturday night (26/10/2024) at approximately 10.06 pm local time, releasing an ash column that reached 800 meters above its summit. 

The gray ash column drifted eastward, as reported by Richard Chaniago from the Mount Ibu Observation Post.

“This eruption was recorded on the seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 28 mm, lasting about 57 seconds,” Richard Chaniago, Mount Ibu observation post officer, said, as reported by antaranews.com.. 

Earlier that evening, at 9.30 pm, the volcano emitted another ash plume of the same height, marking three eruptions in total, including one at 8.36 pm that sent ash 700 meters high.

In response to the increased activity, the local administration has advised residents and tourists to avoid activities within a 4-kilometer radius of the volcano and extend this precaution to 5 kilometers towards the active crater.

Richard urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading false information.

“Everyone must adhere to local government guidance and be cautious of unverified reports. If ash falls occur, outdoor activities should be minimized, and protective masks should be worn,” he said.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)