Updates on volcanic activity (Smithsonian)
The Smithsonian/USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report provides information about global volcanism on a weekly basis. Latest Ibu report has been published on 22 May 2024 09:53.
PVMBG reported that the eruption at Ibu continued to intensify during 11-21 May, with ash plumes rising higher and having denser ash content. Seismicity was also high and increasing. Beginning on 11 May the ash plumes began rising 4-5 km above the summit; the plumes were dense and gray and drifted N and NW, and incandescent ejecta was visible. Eruptive events were recorded on 12 and 14 May, though weather conditions prevented visual observations. During 13-16 May gray-to-black ash plumes rose as high as 5 km and drifted multiple directions. Roaring and banging noises were heard in areas as far away as the Ibu observation post (9 km W). At 1500 on 16 May the Alert Level was raised to 4 (the highest level on a four-level scale) and the public was advised to stay 4 km away from the active crater and 7 km away from the N crater wall opening. BNPB reported that 263 residents evacuated from three villages, Gam Ici, Goin, and Sangaji Nyeku.
White-and-gray ash plumes with variable densities rose 4-5 km above the summit and drifted multiple directions during 17-18 and 20-21 May. Photos from just after 2000 on 18 May showed lightning in the dense ash plumes. Only white steam-and-gas plumes were visible on 19 May, rising 200-300 m above the summit and drifting N, NE, and E. According to a news report the total number of evacuees rose to more than 400 by 19 May; the residents were from seven villages in the West Halmahera District.
Sources: Antara News,Badan Nacional Penanggulangan Bencana (BNPB) ,Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)
See the detail here
