In a statement received from the BNPB here on Friday, Head of the agency's Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center Abdul Muhari informed that the evacuees hail from Sangaji Nyeku, a village located 3.7 kilometers from the volcano's crater.
He added that the 221 residents have taken shelter at Tongotesungi Church in Akesibu Village, Ibu Sub-district. Local authorities have declared the church safe from volcanic threats.
Furthermore, Muhari informed that on Friday, officers planned to evacuate residents of five villages in the Tabaru sub-district.
He said that the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has recommended the evacuation of the five villages, considering their location and high level of vulnerability to volcanic materials, he added.
"Local soldiers will help with the evacuation process," he added.
The official further said that based on evacuations conducted during a similar incident in May last year, the number of evacuees is estimated to reach around three thousand.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Geological Agency raised Mount Ibu's danger status to the highest level of IV after the agency's team detected substantial intensification of volcanic activities from January 1–14.
The agency has urged residents and tourists to refrain from conducting any activities within a five-kilometer radius of the volcano.
In response to the situation, the West Halmahera district government has declared a 14-day emergency response status to support the execution of emergency measures, effective Wednesday.
As of noon local time on Friday, Mount Ibu continued to erupt, launching ash columns measuring an average height of 700 meters above its peak.
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Translator: M. Riezko, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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