Volcanic ash from Ibu volcano observed at 1 830 m (6 000 feet) a.s.l., Indonesia

Volcanic ash from Ibu volcano in Indonesia was observed at 1 830 m (6 000 feet) above sea level at 00:50 UTC on October 19, 2025. The advisory was issued by the Darwin VAAC at 01:20 UTC on the same date.

According to the advisory, the ash cloud was reported in the surface to flight level 060 range, equivalent to 1 830 m (6 000 feet), and extended west from the volcano. Ash movement was estimated at 18 km/h (11 mph) toward the west. The current Aviation Color Code is Orange. The advisory noted that volcanic ash was not identifiable in satellite imagery due to meteorological clouds, and ash height and movement were based on model guidance and previous reports.

The most recent Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report confirms that eruptive activity at Ibu continued during late September 2025, with frequent gray and white-and-gray ash plumes rising 300–700 m (980–2 300 feet) above the summit and drifting in multiple directions. Incandescence was occasionally visible at the summit, and the public was advised to remain at least 2 km (1.2 miles) from the active crater.

Ibu is a stratovolcano located on Halmahera Island in Indonesia. Known hazards include ashfall, lava domes, and pyroclastic flows. The nearest settlements are small villages around the base of the volcano; the region is primarily rural, but ashfall and localized hazards can impact these communities depending on wind and eruption intensity.