Sat Jan 11 12:58:52 UTC 2025: ## Indonesian Volcano Mount Ibu Erupts, Spewing Lava and Ash
**TERNATE, Indonesia –** Mount Ibu, an active volcano on Halmahera Island in Indonesia’s North Maluku province, erupted Saturday evening, sending a four-kilometer-high plume of smoke and ash into the air and spewing lava two kilometers from the crater. The eruption, which occurred at 7:45 pm local time (1145 GMT), was captured by volcano monitoring posts showing a dramatic display of fiery red plumes and thick, dark smoke.
While no new evacuation orders have been issued, authorities have urged residents and visitors to stay at least four to 5.5 kilometers from the volcano’s peak. The public is also advised to wear masks and protective eyewear due to potential volcanic ash rain. Mount Ibu remains at the second highest alert level.
Geological Agency head Muhammad Wafid confirmed the eruption and the lava flow. He noted that Mount Ibu is one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, having erupted over 2,000 times in the past year. Over 700,000 people reside on Halmahera Island.
Indonesia, situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiences frequent volcanic and seismic activity. This eruption follows similar events last year, including multiple eruptions from Mount Ruang in North Sulawesi province, which led to thousands of evacuations.
First Piper 