Inp.polri.go.id - Ternate.  Mount Ibu, located in West Halmahera, North Maluku, erupted on Friday (18/10/2024), releasing a 1.5 km high ash column at around 11.57 am local time.

"The ash column, observed to be thick and grey, drifted northeast," said Axl Roeroe, an officer at the Mount Ibu Observation Post in West Halmahera Barat, as quoted by antaranews.com..

The 1,324-meter-high volcano's eruption was recorded on a seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 28 mm, lasting approximately 1 minute and 41 seconds.

Roeroe explained that Mount Ibu remains on Alert Level III. Residents and tourists are advised to stay outside the 4 km radius and avoid the northern sector, which extends up to 5 km from the crater.

"In case of ashfall, those outdoors should wear masks and goggles for protection," he added.

Authorities also urged the public to remain calm, avoid spreading misinformation, and follow government instructions. The local administration continues coordinating with the Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center in Bandung for updates on volcanic activity.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)