Mount Ibu Raises Status to Alert, BNPB Emphasizes Residents Must Be Cautious and Evacuate

Kapanlagi.com - The majestic Mount Ibu in West Halmahera, North Maluku, is now at Alert status (Level IV) after its volcanic activity surged drastically in January 2025. According to reports from the Geological Agency, the eruptions occurring average 70 times a day, with ash columns soaring as high as 4,000 meters above the mountain's summit.

This situation has understandably raised concerns, prompting evacuation advisories for thousands of residents living in disaster-prone areas. The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) along with the North Maluku BPBD have established a safe radius of up to five kilometers from the active crater and six kilometers to the north of the crater opening.

Moreover, the local government has also declared a state of emergency to expedite the handling of the impacts from this eruption. This event significantly affects six villages in the Tabaru District, with around 3,000 people forced to leave their homes. The evacuation process to shelter locations has already begun, and various facilities such as masks and temporary housing are being prepared to ensure the safety of the community.

Stay tuned for complete information summarized by Kapanlagi.com, Thursday (16/1).

1. Chronology of Mount Ibu Status Increase

Mount Ibu is currently at an Alert status (Level IV) after a significant increase in volcanic activity was detected since early January 2025. On Wednesday, January 15, PVMBG reported five explosive eruptions with ash columns higher than before.

During the period from January 1 to 14, a total of 748 eruption earthquakes, 70 collapse earthquakes, and more than 6,976 shallow volcanic earthquakes were recorded, indicating an increase in magma activity within the Earth's crust.

The Mount Ibu Observation Post in Gam Ici Village reported booming and rumbling sounds heard up to several kilometers from the summit, while visual conditions showed grayish-white crater smoke with moderate intensity, indicating increasing pressure.

In response to this situation, PVMBG issued recommendations to raise the mountain's status for the safety of residents.

"We urge the public to remain vigilant and avoid the designated areas," emphasized the Head of the North Maluku BPBD, Fehby Alting, as reported by ANTARA.

2. Appeal and Security Measures from BPBD

BPBD North Maluku issued an important appeal for residents to stay away from areas within a five-kilometer radius of the active crater and six kilometers to the north of the crater opening, in order to avoid the dangers of exposure to hot clouds, volcanic material ejection, and lahars that could threaten at any time.

In situations of ash rain, the public is advised to wear masks and goggles to protect themselves from respiratory and eye irritation. BPBD also encourages everyone to remain calm, not to be influenced by unclear issues, and to always follow instructions from authorities.

To ensure the safety of residents, two evacuation sites have been prepared in Tungute Sungi Village and Akesibu Village, with a primary focus on meeting basic needs. In addition, masks have been distributed, and socialization on disaster risk reduction is conducted regularly.

3. Impact of the Eruption on the Local Community

The eruption of Mount Ibu has shaken life in six villages in the Tabaru District, such as the villages of Sangaji Nyeku, Soasangaji, Tuguis, Togoreba Sungi, Borona, and Todoke, which are now threatened by volcanic material rain and the potential for lava flows.

About 3,000 people have been forced to leave their homes and fields for safety, seeking refuge in safer locations. The local government, along with various parties, is working hard to meet the logistical needs of the refugees, from food to clean water.

However, the threat does not only come from the eruption itself; the long-term impact on agricultural land and the community's economy is also a concern. The volcanic ash covering the land can damage crops and contaminate water sources, disrupting the daily routines of the residents.

"Currently, we are preparing for the evacuation of residents, with two evacuation sites prepared at the church building in the village of Tungute Sungi and the village of Akesibu," said one of the officials.

4. Emergency Response Steps and Coordination Handling

The Halmahera Barat Regency has announced a state of emergency through the Decree of the Regent of Halmahera Barat Number 33/KPTS/I/2025 to expedite disaster management. Promptly, teams from BPBD, TNI, Polri, and volunteers have been deployed to support evacuation and distribution of aid to the affected areas.

Meanwhile, the Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation continues to monitor the activity of Mount Ibu and provide the latest information to the public through official channels. Routine evaluations of volcanic conditions are conducted to ensure the safety of residents and reduce potential risks.

In facing this challenge, inter-agency collaboration is the key to managing the crisis, while active community participation is essential, especially in following evacuation instructions and maintaining order at evacuation sites.

5. What does the Alert status mean for a volcano?

The Alert status indicates very high volcanic activity with the potential for a major eruption that could endanger the surrounding area.

6. What is the danger radius of Mount Ibu?

The danger radius has been determined to be up to five kilometers from the active crater, while to the north, the distance is extended to six kilometers from the crater rim.

7. What are the impacts of volcanic ash on the community?

Volcanic ash can cause respiratory problems, eye irritation, and damage to crops as well as water sources.

8. What steps is the government taking to help affected residents?

The government has prepared evacuation locations, distributed masks, and provided logistical assistance to residents.

9. Is Mount Ibu still under monitoring?

Yes, PVMBG continues to monitor the activity of Mount Ibu and provides the latest information to ensure public safety.

(kpl/rmt)