Mount Dukono Erupts, Lontarkan Abu Volcanic As High As 1,700 Meters

The volcanic ash column soared out of the crater of Mount Dukono located on Halmahera Island, North Maluku, on Tuesday (16/1/2023). (ANTARA/HO-PVMBG)

Mount Dukono, located on Halmahera Island, North Maluku, erupted and ejected volcanic ash as high as 1.7 kilometers from the center of the volcanic crater.

Mount Dukono Observation Post Officer Sarjan Roboke said in his report that the eruption occurred this afternoon at 17.32 WIT.

"The ash column was observed to be white to gray with thick intensity to the southwest," said Sarjan as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, January 16.

Mount Dukono has a height of 1,335 meters above sea level. 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 the volcanic eruption are explosive and effusive which produces ash, incandescent stone, pyroclastic flow, and lava flow.

Throughout 2023, PVMBG recorded that Mount Dukono experienced an eruption of 3,324 times.

PVMBG urges the public not to do activities, climb, or approach the Maupang Warirang Crater of Mount Dukono within a three-kilometer radius

The public is recommended to always provide masks to avoid the threat of volcanic ash in the respiratory system.