Mount Dukono in Indonesia's North Maluku erups, flight warning issued

JAKARTA - Mount Dukono, situated in Indonesia's eastern North Maluku province, erupted on Tuesday, prompting a warning for aviation, according to the country's Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center.

The eruption occurred at 9:43 am local time, sending a column of thick white-to-grey ash up to 4,600 meters into the sky. The ash is drifting northwest of the mountain.

Planes were prohibited from flying at altitudes below 5 km around the volcano, which is located on Halmahera Island. An orange Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation status has been issued.

Climbers and residents are strictly banned from climbing or engaging in any activities within a 3-km radius of the crater. Residents are also advised always to wear a face mask whenever ash dispersion occurs, as volcanic ash can spread at any time.

Mount Dukono, standing 1,087 meters above sea level, is one of Indonesia's 127 active volcanoes.