Mount Ibu’s Intense Eruptions Threaten Indonesian Villages

Why in the news?

Mount Ibu, on Halmahera island, erupted over 1,000 times this month, prompting evacuation efforts for 3,000 residents amidst significant ash emissions.

Mount Ibu's Intense Eruptions Threaten Indonesian Villages

Key Details:

  • Location and Activity: Mount Ibu, located on Halmahera island in eastern Indonesia, erupted at least 1,079 times since January 1, 2025.
  • Recent Eruptions: The most recent major eruption occurred on January 15, sending a smoke column 4 km high, with ash reaching between 0.3 km and 4 km above the peak.
  • Sunday’s Activity: On January 19, the volcano erupted 17 times, with grey ash drifting southwest and loud rumbling reported at the Mount Ibu Observation Post.

Impact and Evacuation Efforts

  • Affected Population: Around 3,000 residents from six villages are at risk, with only 517 people evacuated as of January 19.
  • Evacuation Challenges: Efforts are ongoing to relocate the remaining residents to safe shelters. Resistance stems from economic and seasonal factors, as many are in the middle of harvesting crops.
  • Immediate Actions: Local authorities continue to educate communities on the risks and encourage evacuation for their safety.

About Stratovolcano (Composite Volcano):

  • Conical shape with layers of lava, ash, and tephra.
  • Gentle slope at the base, steep near the summit.
  • Found above subduction zones, often in the Pacific Ring of Fire.
  • Alternating layers of pyroclastic material and lava.
  • Examples: Nevado del Ruiz and Ubinas Volcano (Andes Mountains).

About Pacific Ring of Fire:

  • A 40,250 km horseshoe-shaped zone around the Pacific Ocean.
  • Features hundreds of volcanoes and earthquake sites.
  • Known for intense tectonic activity and volcanic eruptions.