JAKARTA, June 2 — A volcano in Indonesia’s eastern Halmahera island erupted yesterday, spewing a 5km-high ash cloud, the country’s volcanology agency (PVMBG) said, while its disaster agency (BNPB) warned of flash floods and cold lava flow.
The eruption of Mount Ibu at 11:03am follows a series of eruptions last month, after authorities noticed an uptick of volcanic activity starting in April, leading to the evacuation of seven villages.
“The ash column is grey with thick intensity and leaning towards the southwest,” the agency said, adding that residents and tourists should maintain a distance of at least 7km from the active crater.
Footage shared by the agency showed the volcano spewing ash.
Analysis by the nation’s meteorology agency showed the region could see moderate to heavy rain, although it did not say when.
“If there is a buildup of material left over from the eruption, it should be cleaned up immediately because it is dangerous. If there is heavy rain, flash floods could occur, cause damage and many fatalities,” Suharyanto, BNPB chief, said in a statement on Friday.
The volcano has been on PVMBG’s highest alert level since May 16.
Mount Ibu’s recent activity follows a series of eruptions of other volcanoes in Indonesia, which sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and has 127 active volcanoes.
Flash floods and cold lava flow from Mount Marapi, one of the most active volcanoes in West Sumatra province, covered several nearby districts following torrential rain on May 11, killing at least 67 people, with 20 still missing.
— Reuters
