JAKARTA, Jan. 7 (Xinhua) -- Mount Ibu, located in Indonesia's eastern North Maluku province, erupted on Tuesday, prompting the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation to issue a flight alert.
The volcano, situated in West Halmahera regency, expelled a column of ash that reached up to 3 km into the sky, and the resulting brown cloud drifted northwest of the volcano.
Residents living on the slopes of the mountain, as well as tourists, have been banned from entering a 4-km radius around the crater. Additionally, the danger zone has been extended to 5.5 km in the northern areas. During ashfall, communities engaging in outdoor activities are advised to wear face masks, sunglasses, and nose protectors.
To safeguard flights from the risks associated with volcanic materials released during the eruption, a Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation has been issued at the orange level, which is the second-highest warning.
The notice prohibits aircraft from flying at altitudes within 5 km of the volcano. Pilots must also be prepared for the possibility of ash clouds that could disrupt flights.
Mount Ibu, standing at a height of 1,325 meters, is one of the 127 active volcanoes in Indonesia. ■