Thousands Evacuated After Volcanic Eruption in Indonesia

Authorities in Indonesia have evacuated thousands of residents after the eruption of Mount Ibu on Halmahera Island, part of North Maluku province.

The Indonesian Geological Agency issued its highest-level alert, prompting the evacuation of approximately 3,000 residents near the volcano, according to the local Jakarta Post.

As of Thursday morning, 517 residents from the closest village had been safely relocated, with additional evacuations anticipated throughout the day.

Local Disaster Management Agency spokesperson Irfan Idris stated that shelters have been prepared for evacuees.

Residents and tourists have been urged to avoid a five-to-six-kilometer radius around the volcano's summit and to wear masks to protect against falling ash.

Mount Ibu, located on an island with a population of about 700,000, has experienced heightened volcanic activity since June, following a series of earthquakes. The volcano has erupted nine times since the start of 2025.

Indonesia, situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, is prone to frequent seismic and volcanic activity. In November, Mount Lewotobi Lakilaki on Flores Island erupted more than a dozen times in a single week, resulting in nine fatalities from the initial explosion.