Jakarta, May 17: The Dukono volcano, located in Indonesia’s North Maluku province, erupted on Sunday. The country’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation reported that ash was ejected up to 5,000 meters into the atmosphere.
This 1,087-meter tall volcano remains at the second highest alert level.
According to the Xinhua news agency, authorities have advised residents and tourists to avoid any activities within a four-kilometer radius of the crater. They also recommended wearing masks to prevent respiratory issues caused by the ash.
Earlier this month, the eruption of Mount Dukono resulted in the deaths of three individuals. Fortunately, 15 others were rescued, including seven Singaporeans and eight Indonesians.
Rescue operations faced delays due to volcanic activity and the presence of bodies buried under significant volcanic material. The deceased were later transported to Tobelo Regional Hospital for identification and further procedures.
Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) expressed regret that people continued to hike in the area despite the trekking route being closed since April 17.
Abdul Muhari, head of BNPB’s disaster data, information, and communication center, urged trekking operators and the public to disseminate this information widely. Legal action may be taken against those violating safety regulations.
Mount Dukono also erupted in February this year, prompting the Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Center to issue aviation warnings. At that time, the volcano released an ash plume nearly 2,000 meters high, with dense clouds ranging from white to gray spreading southward from the crater.
Due to the potential danger to aircraft, an orange-level alert was issued by the Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA), the second highest level, restricting flights within a five-kilometer radius. Aircraft were advised to be cautious of ash clouds, as they could disrupt flights.
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