Jakarta

A volcano in eastern Indonesia erupted, shooting a large ash cloud over five kilometres (three miles) into the sky on Monday (March 13). This happened after authorities raised the volcano's alert level last week. No damage or injuries were reported right away, but pictures showed the ash reaching high above Halmahera island in North Maluku province. Officials said it was one of the biggest eruptions in recent months, as reported by Reuters.

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The Geology Agency's head, Muhammad Wafid, stated on Monday that a thick grey-black ash column was seen, drifting westward. He advised nearby residents to wear facemasks and glasses when outside to shield against falling volcanic ash.

The volcano had a smaller eruption on Saturday, emitting lava, ash reaching several kilometres high into the night sky, and generating lightning. Despite last week's elevation of the alert level to the second-highest, an exclusion zone of three to five kilometres (two to three miles) around the volcano's crater remains in place.

Watch the dramatic visuals here:

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Ibu is one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, with over 21,000 eruptions recorded last year. According to Geology Agency official Sofyan Primulyana, Ibu averaged 58 eruptions per day in 2023.

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Also read | Indonesia to enhance naval might with two French-origin Scorpene submarines

Why is Indonesia so prone to volcanic activity?

Indonesia, situated on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," frequently experiences seismic and volcanic events. Mount Ruang in North Sulawesi province erupted multiple times last month, resulting in the evacuation of thousands of nearby island residents. It remains at the highest alert level, with plans to permanently relocate all 800 residents of Ruang island.

(With inputs from agencies)