Mount Dukono Eruption Lontarkan Abu Volcanic As High As 1.6 Kilometers

The volcanic ash column soared out of the crater of Mount Dukono on Halmahera Island, North Maluku, Monday (18/3/2024). BETWEEN/HO-PVMBG

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) reported an eruption that ejected volcanic ash as high as approximately 1.6 kilometers on Mount Dukono located on Halmahera Island, North Maluku.

The eruption occurred twice in the near future, namely at 14:46 WIT and 14.51 WIT.

"The ash column was observed to be white to gray with thick intensity to the east," said Mount Dukono Observation Post Officer Heruningtyas Desi Purnamasari in a report quoted by ANTARA, Monday, March 18.

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.

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