Mount Dukono eruption prompts safety warnings in eastern Indonesia

Indonesia’s Mount Dukono erupted on Halmahera Island in North Maluku Province, prompting authorities to issue safety warnings for residents and visitors in surrounding areas.

According to Indonesia’s Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, the eruption sent volcanic ash approximately 1.3 kilometres above the crater, reaching an altitude of 2,387 meters above sea level. White and grey ash clouds drifted northwest from the volcano, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

The volcanology agency advised residents and tourists to stay at least four kilometres away from the crater and to wear protective masks to reduce exposure to volcanic ash, which can pose respiratory health risks.

The latest eruption comes weeks after a deadly volcanic incident on May 8, when at least two people were killed and another was reported missing following activity at Mount Dukono.

Mount Dukono is located on Halmahera Island in eastern Indonesia, a region situated near the boundary of the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates. The area is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

By Sabina Mammadli