The Jakarta Domestic Service reported on 13 June that "the Social Affairs Dept. has designated Malifut County in Kao Subdistrict, North Maluku District, as a resettlement area for 3,250 families being evacuated from Makian Island, because there is a possibility that the volcano on the island will erupt at any time."

Geological Summary. Kie Besi volcano, forming the 10-km-wide Makian island off the west coast of Halmahera, has been the source of infrequent, but strong eruptions that have devastated villages on the island. The large 1.5-km-wide summit crater, containing a small lake on the NE side, gives the peak a flat-topped profile. Two prominent valleys extend to the coast from the summit crater on the north and east sides. Four cones are found on the western flanks. Eruption have been recorded since about 1550; major eruptions in 1646, 1760-61, 1861-62, 1890, and 1988 caused extensive damage and many fatalities.

Information Contacts: Jakarta DRS, Jakarta.