Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  The Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Centre (PVMBG) recorded an eruption activity that ejected volcanic ash up to about 700 meters from the crater of Mount Dukono on Halmahera Island, North Maluku Province, on Friday (3/11/2023). "The observed ash column appears white, grey to black, with a dense intensity blowing towards the west," Bambang Sugiono, the Mount Dukono observation post officer, said as quoted by antaranews.com. The eruption occurred at 8.30 am local time and ejected material about 700 metres high from the volcano's summit. He advised the local community in the vicinity of Mount Dukono to refrain from activities, hiking and approaching the Malupang Warirang crater within a two-kilometre radius. He also advised people to wear protective masks for their mouths and noses at all times to avoid inhaling volcanic ash. Periodic eruptions cause the direction of the ash to change depending on the direction and speed of the wind, making the area affected by the ash unpredictable. Currently, Mount Dukono is at volcanic activity level II, classified as "waspada" or vigilant. The nearest settlement is about 11 kilometres from the volcano's summit. Mount Dukono is located about 14 kilometres southwest of Tobelo town, the most densely populated area in North Halmahera. (ar/inp/pr/nm)