Volcanic ash from Ibu volcano observed at 2 400 m (7 900 feet) a.s.l., Indonesia

Volcanic ash from Ibu volcano in Indonesia was observed at 2 400 m (7 900 feet) above sea level at 03:40 UTC on October 27, 2025. The advisory was issued by the Darwin VAAC at 04:00 UTC on the same day.

According to the advisory, volcanic ash was detected between the surface and 2 400 m (7 900 feet), moving west at 9 km/h (5 mph). Ash cloud height and its forecast were derived from ground reports, persistence, and model guidance, as satellite imagery was obscured by meteorological clouds. The current Aviation Color Code is Orange. There is low confidence in the forecast due to poor model consensus.

According to the Smithsonian / USGS Weekly Volcanic Activity Report, the eruption at Ibu continued during 24-30 September 2025. Dense gray or white-and-gray ash plumes rose 300-700 m (980-2 300 feet) above the summit and drifted in multiple directions. Incandescence at the summit was observed in a few nighttime webcam images. The public is advised to stay 2 km (1.2 miles) away from the active crater and 3.5 km (2.2 miles) from the northern crater wall opening.

Ibu is a stratovolcano located on Halmahera Island in eastern Indonesia. Known hazards include ashfall, lava flows, pyroclastic flows, and lahars. The area around Ibu is sparsely populated, with small settlements at risk from local volcanic hazards, especially within a 5 km (3.1 miles) radius of the summit.