Breaking News: Mt Ibu in Indonesia Erupts, Blanketing Region in Ash

“JAKARTA, May 13 (Reuters) – Mount Ibu in Indonesia erupted on Monday morning, releasing dense columns of gray ash into the atmosphere, according to the country’s volcanology agency.

The volcano, located on the remote island of Halmahera, erupted at 9:12 a.m. local time (0012 GMT), lasting for approximately five minutes. Ash was propelled into the sky, reaching heights of up to 5 km (3.1 miles), as reported by officials.

The alert level of the volcano remains at the second-highest tier, as stated by Hendra Gunawan, the head of Indonesia’s Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Centre.

He further emphasized that all activities within a five-kilometer radius of the volcano were strictly prohibited. “In case of ashfall, we advise individuals near the volcano to wear masks and protective eyewear,” Hendra advised.

Footage released by the center depicted clouds of gray ash emanating from the crater, accompanied by a resounding boom, according to the official.

“Indonesia lies within the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’ and boasts a staggering 127 active volcanoes, as reported by the volcanology agency.

In recent weeks, the Ruang volcano in North Sulawesi has erupted, unleashing incandescent lava accompanied by lightning flashes from its crater. This event necessitated the evacuation of over 12,000 individuals residing on an adjacent island.

In December, tragedy struck when Marapi volcano, among Sumatra’s most active, erupted, emitting dense clouds of gray ash reaching heights of up to 3 km, claiming the lives of over 20 people.”