Mount Ibu, a volcano in Indonesia's North Maluku province, erupted on Monday, spewing thick gray ash and dark clouds 16,400 feet into the sky for five minutes. Officials say the eruption is a reminder of the dangers posed by Indonesia's many active volcanoes.
Mount Ibu Erupts, Spewing Ash and Dark Clouds
A volcano in Indonesia called Mount Ibu erupted on Monday, spewing thick gray ash and dark clouds 16,400 feet into the sky for five minutes. The eruption was captured on video by local residents and shared on social media.
Mount Ibu is located in the North Maluku province of Indonesia, about 1,000 miles northeast of Jakarta. The volcano is one of Indonesia's most active, and has erupted several times in recent years.
The eruption on Monday was preceded by a series of volcanic earthquakes, which began on Sunday. The earthquakes caused some damage to buildings in the area, but no injuries were reported.
After the eruption, the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation raised the alert level for the volcano from 2 to 3, the second-highest level. The alert level indicates that the volcano is at risk of erupting again, and that people should stay away from the area.
Local authorities have prepared evacuation tents, but no evacuation order has been reported yet. More than 13,000 people live within a 3-mile radius of the volcano's crater.
Indonesia is an archipelago of 270 million people, and has 120 active volcanoes. The country is prone to volcanic activity because it sits along the "Ring of Fire," a horseshoe-shaped series of seismic fault lines around the Pacific Ocean.
The eruption of Mount Ibu is a reminder of the dangers posed by Indonesia's many active volcanoes. The government has taken steps to mitigate the risks of volcanic eruptions, but it is important for people to be aware of the dangers and to take precautions when necessary.
Here are some tips for staying safe during a volcanic eruption:
Stay away from the volcano and the surrounding area.
If you are in an area that is threatened by a volcanic eruption, evacuate immediately.
Listen to the instructions of local authorities.
Be prepared to stay away from the area for several days or weeks.
Bring essential supplies, such as food, water, a first-aid kit, and a flashlight.
Be aware of the dangers of volcanic ash, which can cause respiratory problems.
If you are caught in a volcanic ash cloud, cover your mouth and nose with a mask or cloth.
