Mount Dukono Eruption Again Sprays Volcanic Ash As High As 1,500 Meters

TERNATE - The Volcano Observation Post (PGA) of Dukono in North Halmahera Regency, North Maluku, reported that Mount Dukono erupted again by ejecting volcanic ash as high as 1,500 meters from the top of the mountain.

"The ash column burst was observed as high as 1,500 meters," said PGA Dukono officer Bambang Sugiono as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, May 20.

The eruption of Mount Dukono emitted a column of ash which was observed to be white to gray with moderate to thick intensity leaning towards the East.

The volcanic eruption was recorded on a seismogram with an amax of 34 mm, a duration of 38.80 seconds from the Dukono PGA Post in Mamuya Village, Galela District.

"Currently, the condition of the volcano as high as 1,087 meters above sea level is still at Level II or Alert," he said.

Communities around Mount Dukono and visitors and tourists are asked not to do hiking activities, and approach the Maupang Warirang Crater within a radius of 4 kilometers.

"Given that the eruption with volcanic ash periodically occurs and the distribution of ash follows the direction and speed of the wind, so that the area of the ash land is not fixed," said Bambang.

People around Mount Dukono are reminded to always provide masks or nasal and mouth coverings for use when needed to avoid the threat of volcanic ash in the respiratory system.