Volcanic eruption in Eastern Indonesia prompts safety warnings

An eruption of Mount Dukono has been recorded on Halmahera Island, prompting authorities to issue safety measures for residents and visitors in the area.

Indonesia’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation reported that volcanic ash rose approximately 2,500 metres above the crater, reaching an altitude of 3,587 metres above sea level. Plumes of gray ash were observed drifting toward the northeast and east, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

Local authorities have imposed a restriction zone, prohibiting people from approaching within a 4-kilometre radius of the crater. Residents and tourists have also been advised to wear protective masks to reduce the risk of respiratory issues caused by volcanic ash.

Mount Dukono is situated along the boundary of the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates, an area known for frequent seismic and volcanic activity.

By Sabina Mammadli