Strong explosive eruption at Ibu volcano, Indonesia
A strong eruption at Ibu volcano produced lava fountains reaching hundreds of meters and ash plumes rising to 5.5 km (18 000 feet) a.s.l., on January 11, 2025, accompanied by volcanic lightning and active lava dome growth. The Aviation Color Code remains at Orange following an upgrade to Red on January 11 for a brief time.
Eruption at Ibu volcano on January 11, 2025. Image credit: Climagram, Twitter
The explosive event on January 11 began with intense activity marked by towering lava fountains that created dome-shaped fire plumes and reached several hundred meters into the atmosphere.
The eruption released dense ash clouds with columns rising to an altitude of approximately 5.5 km (18 000 feet). The ash emissions moved westward and spread over a large area.
The eruption also generated volcanic lightning which is often referred to as “dirty thunderstorms,” caused by collisions of charged particles like ash and lava fragments.
The ongoing activity at the volcano’s summit continues to extrude viscous magma and is contributing to the growth of a glowing lava dome. The process has resulted in the advancement of lava flows on the northern flank of the stratovolcano.
The authorities have maintained the volcano’s Alert Level at 3 and advised residents to avoid the 4.5 km (2.8 miles) radius around the summit.
Individuals in the northern zone are urged to stay at least 6 km (3.7 miles) away due to elevated risks.
The Aviation Color Code was temporarily upgraded to Red following the eruption on January 11 and downgraded back to Orange by 12:57 UTC.
Several eruptions occurred on January 12 as well, with ash clouds reaching 2 km (6 480 feet) at 22:16 UTC a.s.l.
A similar event was recorded at 21:34 UTC but with the plume rising higher to 3.8 km (12 240 feet) a.s.l. or 2.5 km (8 000 feet) a.s.l.
An earlier eruption at 18:05 UTC produced an ash cloud that ascended to 1.9 km (6 160 feet) a.s.l. or 600 m (1 920 feet) above the summit. In another instance, the ash plume was estimated at 4.3 km (13 840 feet) a.s.l., or 3 km (9 600 feet) above the summit at 16:46 UTC, with ash cloud drifting westward.
Ibu Volcano has been erupting since 2008. Its activity involves frequent ash emissions, dome growth within its inner crater, and occasional lava flows.
The volcano’s eruptive history includes activity in 1998 and 2008 marked by ash emissions and lava dome formation.
References:
1 Ibu – PVMBG/MAGMA Indonesia – Accessed on January 13, 2025
2 Ibu – GVP – Accessed on January 13, 2025
Rishika holds a Master’s in International Studies from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India, where she earned a gold medal, and an MCA from the University of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Previously, she served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. During her tenure, she contributed as a Junior Writer for Europe Monitor on the Global Politics website and as an Assistant Editor for The World This Week. Her work has also been published in The Hindu newspaper, showing her expertise in global affairs. Rishika is also a recipient of the Women Empowerment Award at the district level in Haryana, India, in 2022.
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