The Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG) reported that the eruption at Dukono was ongoing during 4-10 December. Gray-and-white ash plumes that were sometimes dense rose as high as 3.5 km above the summit and drifted in multiple directions on 4, 6, and 10 December. Dense white, gray, and black ash plumes rose up to 4.8 km above the summit and drifted NW on 7 December and rose 500-1,000 m above the summit and drifted E on 9 December. Emissions were not observed on 5 December, but white plumes rose 100 m and drifted N on 8 December. On 11 December the hazard exclusion zone was increased to 4 km from the Malupang Warirang Crater. The Alert Level remained at Level 2 (on a scale of 1-4).

Geological Summary. Reports from this remote volcano in northernmost Halmahera are rare, but Dukono has been one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes. More-or-less continuous explosive eruptions, sometimes accompanied by lava flows, have occurred since 1933. During a major eruption in 1550 CE, a lava flow filled in the strait between Halmahera and the N-flank Gunung Mamuya cone. This complex volcano presents a broad, low profile with multiple summit peaks and overlapping craters. Malupang Wariang, 1 km SW of the summit crater complex, contains a 700 x 570 m crater that has also been active during historical time.

Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)