Indonesia Volcano Erupts, Spewing Ash and Raising Air Quality Concerns

Indonesia Volcano Erupts: A powerful eruption from Mount Dukono in Indonesia sent thick columns of volcanic ash nearly one mile into the air on Wednesday, prompting warnings about deteriorating air quality and potential health risks. The eruption occurred at 16:52 local time (0752 GMT) in North Maluku province, according to the country’s volcanology agency.

Indonesia Volcano Alert: Authorities Urge Caution

The volcanology agency reported that the Indonesia volcano spewed an ash tower 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) above its peak, turning the sky white to grey with thick ash drifting southwest. This latest event followed an earlier eruption at 6:46 am local time, which propelled volcanic ash one kilometer into the air.

Current Status of Indonesia Volcano Mount Dukono

Indonesia’s volcanology agency has classified Mount Dukono under the third-highest alert level in the nation’s four-tiered system. Authorities have enforced a strict four-kilometer exclusion zone, warning locals and tourists against approaching the active crater.

Health Advisory: Protecting Against Volcanic Ash

In response to the eruption, the agency has advised residents and visitors to use face masks to safeguard against the inhalation of volcanic ash, which poses serious respiratory risks.

“It is recommended that people around Mount Dukono always prepare masks/face and mouth coverings to be used in times of need to avoid the threat of volcanic ash to the respiratory system,” the agency stated.

Indonesia’s Volcanic Activity and Recent Eruptions

Indonesia, located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is highly prone to seismic and volcanic activity. The country has more than 120 active volcanoes, making eruptions a frequent occurrence.

Just last month, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki on Flores island erupted violently, sending ash eight kilometers into the sky. The incident led to thousands of evacuations and the cancellation of multiple international flights from Bali.