Synopsis
On February 20, Mount Dukono in North Maluku, Indonesia, erupted, prompting an aviation warning from the Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Centre. Ash clouds reached 2,000 metres, and a 4 km danger zone was established for residents and tourists.Key Takeaways
- Mount Dukono erupted on February 20, 2024.
- Ash plume reached heights of 2,000 metres.
- Aviation warning issued at orange level.
- Residents advised to avoid a 4 km radius.
- Face masks recommended for volcanic ash protection.
Jakarta, Feb 20 (NationPress) Mount Dukono, located in Indonesia's North Maluku province, erupted on Thursday, leading the country's Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Centre to issue an aviation alert.
This volcano, found on Halmahera Island, released an ash plume soaring up to 2,000 metres into the atmosphere. Dense white-to-grey clouds were observed drifting southward from the crater.
To address the aviation threats, a Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA) has been issued at the orange level, the second most serious alert, which prohibits aircraft from flying below 5 km around the volcano.
Air travel should be cautious of ash clouds that could disrupt flight operations, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Individuals, visitors, and tourists near Mount Dukono are urged to avoid activities around the Malupang Warirang crater, an active site located within a 4 km radius.
Residents in the area are advised to keep face masks handy to shield against respiratory issues caused by volcanic ash.
Mount Dukono, which rises 1,087 metres above sea level, is among Indonesia's 127 active volcanoes.
Last month, Mount Merapi, near the heavily populated city of Yogyakarta, the capital of the Special Region of Yogyakarta Province, released hot lava.
This volcano erupted on five occasions, with lava flows extending up to 1,900 metres. This led the Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Centre to issue safety warnings for local residents.
Standing at 2,968 metres, Mount Merapi is also one of Indonesia's 127 active volcanoes.
On October 3, 2024, Mount Merapi emitted 21 lava flows directed southwest, as reported by the Geological Disaster Technology Research and Development Centre.
