Govt sets exclusion zone as Mount Ibu activity continues

Ternate, North Maluku (ANTARA) - The Observation Post of Mount Ibu in West Halmahera, North Maluku, cautioned residents to maintain a distance of four kilometers from the volcano's active crater as the mountain continues to display volcanic activity.

"Due to the ongoing series of eruptions of Mount Ibu, we would like to urge local residents to abide by our warnings for their safety," Axl Roeroe, an officer stationed at the observation post, noted in a written statement received by ANTARA here on Saturday.

He reported that Mount Ibu erupted again today at 11:55 a.m. local time, launching an ash column about 800 meters high from the volcano's summit. The thick grayish-white ash column was spotted moving in the southwest direction.

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The eruption was recorded to have a maximum amplitude of 28 millimeters, with a duration of one minute and five seconds, by the seismogram operated by the volcano observation post in Gam Ici Village, Ibu Sub-district.

"Yes, we at the Mount Ibu Volcano Observation Post heard a weak rumbling sound," Roeroe stated.

He remarked that currently, the danger status of Mount Ibu, which stands 1,325 meters above sea level, remains at Level III.

"In the event of ash rain, people are advised to wear face masks and eyeglasses when venturing outside to avoid exposure to the ash emanating from Mount Ibu," he stated.

The officer also appealed to all parties to maintain a conducive situation in society, refrain from spreading false information, and always follow directives issued by officials.

Furthermore, he called on the West Halmahera district government to maintain coordination with the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) and the Mount Ibu Observation Post to obtain reliable information on the volcano's activities.