JAKARTA: Mount Dukono erupted 76 times in a single day on Monday (April 6), signalling a sharp escalation in volcanic activity and raising concerns over potential hazards to surrounding communities in North Halmahera, North Maluku, Indonesia.
Dukono Volcano Observation Post officer Bambang Sugiono reported that ash plumes rose between 800 metres (m) and 1,400 m above the summit, drifting towards the northwest, with emissions ranging from moderate to thick intensity.
He said the high frequency of eruptions was accompanied by significant seismic activity, with eruption earthquakes recorded at amplitudes of six to 34 millimetres (mm) and durations of 19.33 to 90.65 seconds.
"Continuous tremor (microtremor) was also recorded with amplitudes of one to six mm, dominantly at four mm,” he said, according to Antara News Agency, on Tuesday.
The surge in activity follows a period of relative calm, with Bambang noting that the volcano’s activity has been increasing since March 30 after nearly seven months of subdued conditions.
Despite the heightened activity, he said the alert status of the 1,087-metre volcano remains at Level II (Waspada), although authorities warned that the situation remains dangerous due to the persistent eruptions and shifting ashfall patterns.
"Eruptions accompanied by volcanic ash occur periodically, and the distribution of ash follows wind direction and speed, meaning the affected areas are not fixed,” he said.
He said residents and visitors have been strictly advised not to carry out activities, climb, or approach the Malupang Warirang Crater within a four-kilometre radius.
He said authorities have also urged residents to prepare face masks to mitigate the impact of volcanic ash on respiratory health, as monitoring continues amid fears that the activity could intensify further. - Bernama
