Indonesia’s Dukono volcano unleashes 800 meter ash cloud

September 8, 2011 – Indonesia – Dukono volcano (North Halmahera regency, Indonesia) activity increased on September 6, 2011 in sending volcanic ash clouds as high as 800 meters in the sky. The capital town of the Halmahera regency lies at the port of Tobelo, approx. 15 km from the volcano (population approx. 15,000). Residents were asked to evacuate at least about two kilometers from the foot of the volcano. The volcano observation post at Mount Dukono, told the press that dozens of volcanic earthquakes occurred every day. The eruption can be seen from Ternate, and island and biggest city in the area (has also an airport). The volcano is currently in PVMBG Alert status III (local sources) although the official PVMBG site is still showing an II alert status (alert status range from 1 to IV). North Halmehara is part of the province of North Maluku (Moluccas). Activity at Dukono has continued to increase. On 11 August ash explosions were audible within a radius of about 7 km from the base of the volcano. Ash was ejected as high as 1 km above the crater, producing plumes that drifted E and S, and also approached Tobelo City (14 km ENE). Seismographs at the Dukono observation post recorded more than 100 eruption earthquakes. Based on analyses of satellite imagery, the Darwin VAAC reported that on 11 and 14 August ash plumes rose to an altitude of 3 km (10,000 ft) a.s.l. and drifted 93 km NW. –Earthquake Report

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