Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency weather satellite imagery has identified the spread of volcanic ash across four active volcanoes in Indonesia, according to a Saturday statement by BMKG Director of Public Meteorology Ida Pramuwardani in Jakarta. The analysis of RGB Himawari-9 weather satellite imagery tracked ash moving from Mount Dukono, Mount Ibu, and Mount Semeru, while Mount Lewotolo was not detected by the satellite system.
Satellite Tracking and Ash Distribution Across Indonesian Regions
According to Ida Pramuwardani, satellite image analysis shows that the distribution of volcanic ash from Mount Dukono and Mount Ibu is moving northeastward, while the ash from Mount Semeru is moving southeastward. The volcanic ash from Mount Dukono covers North Halmahera Regency and the waters southwest of Morotai. Meanwhile, ash from Mount Ibu covers West Halmahera and North Halmahera, and ash from Mount Semeru spans parts of Lumajang Regency and surrounding waters.
Mount Ibu Eruption Status and Regional Safety Recommendations
Of the four volcanoes reported by the Geological Agency, Mount Ibu in West Halmahera, North Maluku, currently maintains an Alert Level II status. The volcano erupted again on Saturday at 5:49 a.m. local time, sending an ash column approximately 400 meters above its summit. Seismograms recorded a maximum amplitude of 28.0 mm and an eruption duration of 45 seconds, with the thick, gray ash column observed leaning eastward.
Due to these active conditions, the Geological Agency advises residents and tourists to avoid all activities within a 2-kilometer radius of Mount Ibu’s active crater. Authorities also recommend extending the sectoral warning to a 3.5-kilometer radius toward the northern crater opening. To mitigate health risks from ashfall, officials advise the public to wear masks and protective eyewear when outdoors. Residents are further urged to avoid unconfirmed information by following official updates from the West Halmahera Regency Government and the Gam Ici Volcano Observation Post.
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