Indonesia on high alert: Major volcanic eruption threatens thousands

Indonesia is one of the world's most dangerous areas for volcanic activity. Eruptions are common, but the last one was notably large and spectacular. On Monday, May 13, the Ibu volcano on Halmahera island erupted. It released only thick clouds of smoke and ash without spewing lava.

This was the second eruption of Ibu in just a few days — the volcano also exploded on Friday, May 10. Given the volcano's restlessness and the absence of lava eruptions, the surrounding area has maintained a state of emergency.

Hendra Gunawan, the director of the Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, announced that the volcano's emergency remains at its highest level.

The vicinity within a 3-mile radius of the eruption site has been cordoned off. Authorities advise residents and tourists to wear masks and glasses to protect against the falling ash.

In December, more than 20 people died following the eruption of the Merapi volcano in Sumatra, one of the most active in the region. It sent clouds of gray ash up to 1.9 miles high.

Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and many other countries lie near the Ring of Fire, a hotbed of frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. This area, encircling the Pacific Ocean, spans about 25,000 miles and includes oceanic trenches, island arcs, and active volcanoes.