JAKARTA – Authorities reported on May 19 that a volcano on the remote Indonesian island of Halmahera spectacularly erupted, spewing a grey ash cloud into the sky and prompting the evacuation of people from seven nearby villages.
Mount Ibu erupted on May 18, spewing ash 4km high. Purple lightning illuminated the crater, as reported by Indonesia’s volcanology agency.
Mr. Abdul Muhari stated that authorities dispatched a joint team comprising police, military, and search-and-rescue officials to evacuate residents.
Workers assisted the elderly in the photos shared by the disaster agency. Other residents were transported in pick-up trucks and housed in emergency tents.
The agency didn’t specify how many people were moved, but officials recommended clearing a 7km radius.
Indonesia’s volcanology agency elevated the volcano’s alert level to the highest on May 16, following several eruptions earlier in May.
Ibu’s activities follow a series of eruptions of different volcanoes in Indonesia, which sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” and has 127 active volcanoes.
Despite the challenges posed by the eruption, communities are coming together to support one another during this tumultuous time.
The eruption of Mt Ibu serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable forces of nature governing our planet. In the wake of the eruption, scientists and geologists closely monitor Mt Ibu to assess potential risks and anticipate further volcanic activity.
As the situation unfolds, it underscores the importance of preparedness and resilience in facing natural disasters. Efforts to safeguard vulnerable communities and mitigate the impact of Mt Ibu’s eruption remain paramount as Indonesia navigates this challenging period.
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