"Since the rain of volcanic ashes might cause detrimental effects to residents' health, we appeal to people residing in Ibu Sub-district and surrounding areas to wear masks when venturing outside,"
Ternate (ANTARA) - The Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) of West Halmahera District, North Maluku Province, is distributing face masks to residents of 16 villages affected by the eruption of Mount Ibu occurring early Sunday.

West Halmahera BPBD's Deputy for Emergency and Logistics, Halbar Sofyan Aswad, told ANTARA in Ternate City that the agency had fielded personnel to inspect the condition of people inhabiting 16 villages in Ibu Sub-district.

He explained that the mask distribution is aimed at helping residents protect themselves from volcanic ashes spewed by the volcano.

"Since the rain of volcanic ashes might cause detrimental effects to residents' health, we appeal to people residing in Ibu Sub-district and surrounding areas to wear masks when venturing outside," he remarked.

Aswad noted that the emergency status of Mount Ibu stands at Level II while encouraging locals and tourists against conducting any activities within a radius of 2.0 kilometers from the volcano.

In the event of volcanic ash rain, he suggested that people wear equipment to protect their noses, mouths, and eyes when doing outdoor activities.

He further said that the BPBD expects all residents to help maintain conducive environment, refrain from spreading false information, and follow all instructions from the government.

Earlier, an officer at the Mount Ibu Observation Post, Axl Roeroe, informed that Mount Ibu once again erupted on April 28 at 12.37 a.m. local time, launching ash columns to about 3,500 meters from its peak and 4,825 meters above sea level.

Roeroe noted that based on observation, the ash columns appeared to be dark gray and going westward. The eruption lasted for three minutes and 26 seconds with a maximum amplitude of 28 mm.

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Translator: Abdul F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Arie Novarina
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