Mount Dukono, located in North Halmahera Regency, North Maluku, has again shown a significant increase in volcanic activity. On Thursday morning (16/7/2026) at 06:50 WIT, the active volcano spewed a thick white-to-gray ash column reaching 2,100 meters above the peak, or about 3,187 meters above sea level. Winds carried the volcanic ash toward the north.
Responding to the ongoing eruption conditions, the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), through Dukono Volcano Monitoring Post Officer Bambang Sugiono, issued a stern warning. Local residents and tourists are strictly prohibited from engaging in activities, including climbing or approaching the Malupang Warirang Crater area within a 4-kilometer sectoral radius from the center of activity.
Given that volcanic ash emissions occur periodically and the direction of dispersal is strongly influenced by wind speed and direction, PVMBG advises residents to always prepare mouth and nose protective masks. This anticipatory step is deemed crucial to minimize the risk of respiratory disorders due to exposure to volcanic dust, whose affected area frequently changes.
Throughout 2026, Mount Dukono has been recorded to have erupted 222 times. As of the latest report released, the activity level of this volcano in North Maluku remains at Level II (Alert).
Based on seismic data recordings throughout Wednesday (15/7/2026), seismic activity at the volcano was quite intense. PVMBG recorded 59 eruption earthquakes with an amplitude of 6-17 mm lasting up to 270.9 seconds. In addition, 5 low-frequency earthquakes, 1 local tectonic earthquake felt at MMI scale II, 3 distant tectonic earthquakes, and continuous tremor vibrations were also detected.
