Indonesian Villages Resist Evacuation as Mount Ibu Erupts

Authorities escalate evacuation efforts after Mount Ibu's eruptions intensify, but many residents remain reluctant to leave.

Mount Ibu, located on Halmahera island in North Maluku province, erupted multiple times this week, sending ash clouds up to 4 kilometers high.
The volcano's alert status was raised to the highest level, prompting a call to evacuate 3,000 residents from six nearby villages.
Despite evacuation orders, only 517 residents from the closest village have relocated, while others cite familiarity with eruptions as their reason for staying.
Authorities are coordinating with local leaders to ensure evacuations proceed, as the affected areas fall within a designated exclusion zone of five to six kilometers.
Mount Ibu, one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, has experienced increased activity since June 2024, with nine eruptions recorded in January alone.