West Halmahera Regency distributes masks following Mount Ibu eruption

Ambon (ANTARA) – The West Halmahera Regency Government in North Maluku distributed masks to residents and motorists in Ibu District after volcanic ash spread following the eruption of Mount Ibu on Tuesday (13 October) night.

Ibu District Head Warjin Hi Soleman said in a written statement received in Ternate on Wednesday that the masks were being provided to protect people from volcanic ash exposure, which could affect respiratory health.

“The eruption began last night (13 October), at around 9pm WIT, and continued until this morning. So I went out with staff, Civil Service Police Unit personnel and health centre officers to distribute masks to residents and motorists travelling along the main road,” he said.

He said masks were handed out to residents and drivers of both two- and four-wheeled vehicles travelling on several roads in Ibu District.

He urged people to wear masks when outdoors to reduce the risk of health problems caused by volcanic ash exposure, including acute respiratory infections (ARI).

The 1,325-metre-high volcano remains at Level II, or Alert.

In a report, Mount Ibu Observation Post officer Darsono Haji Muhammad Nur urged people living near the volcano, as well as visitors and tourists, to stay outside a two-kilometre radius of the active crater and a further 3.5-kilometre sector extending towards the crater opening on the northern side.

He also advised people who need to be outdoors during ashfall to protect their nose and mouth with a mask and to wear eye protection, such as goggles.

Residents were also asked to maintain calm, avoid spreading false information and not be swayed by rumours from unclear sources.

They were urged to follow the local government’s guidance on developments in the volcano’s activity.

The West Halmahera Regency Government was asked to continue coordinating with the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) in Bandung and the Mount Ibu Observation Post in Gam Ici to obtain the latest information on volcanic activity and safety recommendations.

Residents and relevant agencies can monitor Mount Ibu’s activity through the Magma Indonesia app, the official Magma Indonesia website at https://magma.esdm.go.id, and PVMBG’s social media channels.