Indonesia: Toxic gas released from Mount Ijen volcano (East Java; 25 km West of Bali island)

Event

Some 30 people have been sickened after breathing air containing toxic gas released from the Mount Ijen volcano in East Java province. The 30 all lived on the slope of the volcano and inhaled the toxic gas on the evening of Wednesday, March 21. Residents of the village of Kalianyar, situated near Mount Ijen's crater, have been ordered to evacuate.

Context

Mount Ijen stands 2444 m (8018 ft) high is one of 129 active volcanoes in Indonesia, a vast archipelago home to over 17,500 islands. Mount Ijen last erupted in 1999.

Advice

Individuals present in or intending to travel to the affected area are advised to monitor the situation and follow any instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders).