Thursday Morning, Mount Dukono Vomited Volcanic Ash As High As 1 Kilometer

JAKARTA - The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) reported an eruption in the form of volcanic ash ejections as high as approximately 1,000 meters out of the crater of Mount Dukono north of Halmahera Island, North Maluku Province. Head of PVMBG, Hendra Gunawan said the eruption occurred at 06.42 WIT with a column of white to gray thick ash that was heading east. "The eruption was recorded on a seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 34 millimeters and a temporary duration of approximately 42 seconds," he said in a statement received quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, November 9.

Hendra stated that the threat of the eruption of Mount Dukono against community settlements with a distance of 10-15 kilometers from the activity point of the Maupang Warirang crater. PVMBG prohibits people, tourists or nature lovers from climbing temporarily, because the potential for eruptions is still high. The eruption of Mount Dukono occurred at the same time as rumbling sounds and strong bangs caused by the release of energy and vibrations of crater walls. Furthermore, Hendra advised residents who live in the area of the foot area of Mount Dokuno to close tightly the drinking water sources or wells so as not to be contaminated with volcanic ash that contained high silica smoke. Silica smoke coming out of volcanic eruptions can cause disruption of the respiratory system. Dukono Hamlet is now at the status of level II volcanic disasters or alert.

PVMBG urges tourists not to do activities, climb, and approach the Maupang Warirang Crater within a two-kilometer radius. "People around Mount Dukono always provide masks or mouth and mouth coverings to be used when needed to avoid the threat of volcanic ash in the respiratory system," concluded Hendra.