Mount Dukono North Maluku Eruption Lontarkan Abu Volcanic As High As 2.6 Kilometers

Screenshot of CCTV showing volcanic ash as high as approximately 2,600 meters out of the crater of Mount Dukono in North Maluku, Friday (17/11/2023). (ANTARA/HO-PVMBG)

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) reported an eruption in the form of volcanic ash ejection as high as approximately 2.6 kilometers above the peak of Mount Dukono located north of Halmahera Island, North Maluku Province. "People around Mount Dukono and visitors or tourists should not do activities, climb, and approach the Maupang Warirang Crater within a 2 kilometer radius," said Mount Dukono Observation Post Officer Bambang Sugiono in a report received in Jakarta, Friday, November 17. Bambang said the eruption occurred at 13.33 WIT. The ash column was observed to be white, gray to black with thick intensity to the northeast. He recommended the public to always provide masks or nasal and mouth coverings to avoid the threat of volcanic ash in the respiratory system. Mount Dukono, which has a height of 1,335 meters, is currently at level II or alert. The closest settlement is 11 kilometers from the summit of the volcano. Mount Dukono is about 14 kilometers southwest of Tobelo City which is the area with the most densely populated settlements in North Halmahera. The eruption activity of Mount Dukono is common for local residents considering the long history of the volcanic eruption.

The characteristics of this volcanic eruption are explosive and effusive in nature that produces ash, incandescent stone, pyroclastic flow, and lava flow.