Mount Dukono In North Halmahera Erupts, People Asked To Be Alert

The column of volcanic ash while rising out of the crater of Mount Dukono on Halmahera Island, North Maluku, (photo: dock.)

MALLUKU- Mount Dukono, a volcano located on Halmahera Island, North Maluku, erupted again on Saturday, March 16 at 16.25 WIT. Mount Dukono Observation Post officer Bambang Sugiono reported that the eruption spewed volcanic ash as high as 1.5 kilometers from the volcanic active crater. The maximum amplitude reaches 7 millimeters with a duration of approximately 1 minute 15 seconds.

"The ash column was observed to be white to gray with thick intensity leaning towards the north," said Bambang.

The ash column was observed to be white to gray with thick intensity leaning towards the north, said Bambang. Mount Dukono is currently still on alert status or level II according to data from the Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG).

PVMBG recommends that people do not carry out activities, climb, or approach the Maupang Warirang Crater within a three-kilometer radius. In addition, it is recommended that the public always provide masks to avoid the dangers of volcanic ash in the respiratory system.

With an altitude of 1,335 meters above sea level, Mount Dukono is about 14 kilometers southwest of Tobelo City, 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 in nature that produces ash, incandescent stone, pyroclastic flow, and lava flow. The public is asked to remain vigilant and comply with instructions from the authorities in dealing with this situation.