The Ibu volcano in eastern Indonesia spewed ash more than a thousand times in January. There was another strong eruption on Sunday on the island of Halmahera, part of the Moluccas archipelago, throwing ash 1.5 kilometers into the air.
“The ash was gray, moderate to strong in intensity and moving southwest,” the Geological Survey of Indonesia reported. A loud rumbling could be heard as far as the observation post on Mount Ibu, the report said. According to the authority, the volcano was active 17 times on Sunday alone.
Evacuation of six villages ordered
The Ibu volcano erupted for the last time on Wednesday, spewing a cloud of smoke and ash up to four kilometers into the sky. Indonesian authorities immediately declared the highest alert level and ordered the evacuation of six villages with a total of 3,000 inhabitants.
By Sunday, only 517 people from the nearest village had left their homes. Many refused to leave, arguing that it was harvest time. Authorities continue to try to convince them of the need to evacuate.
Most active volcano in Indonesia
Ibu is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia. Volcanic activity has increased sharply since June last year. Indonesia, with its more than 17,000 islands, is located on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, where various tectonic plates collide. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are common there.
Source: Krone
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