Indonesia: Ibo volcano spews ash kilometers into the sky

It is considered one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia: Ibo volcano has erupted again and released a huge cloud of ash. People in the area are being evacuated.

The Ibo volcano in eastern Indonesia released a cloud of ash seven kilometers high into the sky after its eruption. Authorities said the eruption lasted for six minutes and 13 seconds.

The Civil Protection Agency asked residents to avoid outdoor activities and stay indoors until the ash and sand fall completely. He also advised wearing respiratory masks.

Highest warning level since mid-May

Ippo is located on the island of Halmahera and is one of the most active volcanoes in the Southeast Asian island nation. Last year, it erupted more than 21,000 times, and more than 100 eruptions have already been recorded this year.

Due to the powerful explosions, Indonesian authorities imposed the highest alert level in mid-May. Residents and tourists were advised not to enter a restricted area ranging from four to seven kilometers around the summit. Authorities also began evacuating the area. According to Civil Protection, more than 2,500 people were housed in emergency accommodation.

Collision of several Earth plates

According to 2022 data, more than 700,000 people live in Halmahera. Indonesia, which includes more than 17,000 islands, is located on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, where several Earth plates collide. Therefore, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur frequently.