Indonesia issues top aviation alert due to volcanic eruption

Illustrative photo (Photo: bssnews.net)

Mount Dukono in Indonesia's eastern Maluku province erupted on early morning of December 7, prompting the Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Centre to issue the highest aviation warning.

At 6:15 am (local time), the volcano spewed a column of ash up to 4,800 metres into the sky.

The gray-to-black ash cloud dispersed northwest of the crater. Authorities issued the highest aviation alert, designating a red Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation status, prohibiting flights at altitudes within six km of the volcano.

A 3-km-radius danger zone around the crater has also been established. Residents are advised to carry and wear face masks as eruptions could occur without warning.

Standing 1,335 meters high, Mount Dukono is one of Indonesia's 127 active volcanoes in Indonesia.

Also on December 7 morning, a magnitude 5.8 earthquake occurred off the coast of Central Sulawesi province of Indonesia.

According to a notice from the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the earthquake occurred at 00:14 (local time), with the epicenter located 73 km northwest of Buol district, at the depth of 21 km under the sea.

While aftershocks were felt in many areas, BMKG said there was no indication the quake would cause large waves or dangerous tides. There are currently no reports of damage or casualties caused by the earthquake./.

VNA