Indonesia: Volcanic activity ongoing at Mount Ibu volcano in North Maluku Province as of June 20

Event

An eruption occurred at Mount Ibu volcano in North Maluku Province at around 18:14 WIT June 20. The height of the ash column emitted rose over 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) above the volcano's peak and around 2,325 meters (7,628 feet) above sea level. The ash column has dispersed in a westwardly direction. The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) is maintaining a Level II alert status for the volcano.

Authorities have warned communities around Mount Ibu and visitors to the area not to move within 2 km (1.2 miles) of the volcano's crater, with this exclusion area being expanded to 3.5 km (2.2 miles) from the crater opening in the northern sector of the active crater. Nearby communities have been advised that if they experience ash fall, facemasks and eye protection should be worn when outdoors.

Further eruptions could cause seismic activity, ash clouds, and landslides in the surrounding area. Mount Ibu could continue to emit gas and ash clouds in the coming days. Officials could order evacuations and impose ground travel restrictions in surrounding areas if significant eruptions occur and produce ashfall. Ash could reduce visibility and make streets slippery, possibly triggering localized ground traffic disruptions. Flight disruptions could occur at nearby airports if a major eruption occurs.

Fine particulate matter ejected from the volcano could pose a hazard to flights in the surrounding airspace. Authorities may temporarily close airport facilities if significant ashfall accumulations occur. Further eruptions could also prompt maritime transport and shipping disruptions along the Molucca Sea coast.

Health
Further volcanic activity may impact air quality in nearby areas. Air quality could become a concern, particularly in areas near the crater following an explosive event. Individuals in the region - especially those with underlying pulmonary conditions such as asthma, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or lung cancers - may experience difficulty breathing and could suffer from lower tolerance to physical exertion.

Advice

Confirm regional flights. Heed official instructions and be prepared to evacuate coastal communities on short notice. Plan for possible transportation disruptions if operating in nearby communities over the coming days. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving; due to reduced visibility, drive cautiously in any areas affected by ash. Carry facemasks and observe other precautions to avoid ash inhalation if operating in the affected area.

Resources

MAGMA Indonesia
Center for Research and Development of Geological Disaster Technology (BPPTKG)
Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG)