Indonesia: Increased volcanic activity continues at Mount Ibu on Halmahera Island, North Maluku Province, as of May 29 /update 2

Officials with the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) continue to observe increased levels of volcanic activity at Mount Ibu Volcano, located on Halmahera Island in North Maluku Province, as of May 29. Dozens of explosive eruptions have been recorded at the volcano in recent days, with eruptions on May 27 and May 29 producing ash clouds up to around 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) and 4,200 meters (13,780 feet) respectively from the peak of the volcano. Recent eruptions have triggered authorities to issue the highest red-level aviation warnings. Increased seismic activity has also been reported at the volcano in recent days. Officials increased the volcanic alert level from level 3 to 4 (out of 4) on May 16, having previously increased it from 2 to 3 on May 8.

Authorities have evacuated more than 1,700 residents from villages in the vicinity of Mount Ibu to five emergency shelters due to the ongoing volcanic activity. Residents and visitors are urged to comply with the safety radius of 4 km (2.5 miles) from the crater, extended to 7 km (4.3 miles) in the northern sector, to mitigate risks of exposure to potential explosive activities. Residents in surrounding communities have been advised to wear masks if exposed to ashfall from the volcano. Further seismic activity and ash clouds are likely over the coming days, as well as possible lava flows, gas emissions, and other volcanic material.

Plan for possible transport disruptions in the surrounding area, especially if a significant eruptive event occurs. Road conditions could quickly deteriorate during periods of significant ashfall, and visibility could be reduced. Officials might close roads near the volcano depending on the presence of hazardous volcanic material. Fine particulate matter ejected from the volcano could pose a hazard to flights in the surrounding airspace. Authorities might temporarily close airport facilities if significant ashfall accumulations occur.