What is the name and location of the volcano?
As of May 9, 2026, Mount Dukono is an active volcano located on Halmahera Island in North Maluku Province, Indonesia, near the districts of Galela and Tobelo.
The volcano is situated close to Tobelo City and near several river systems including the Mamuya, Mede, and Tauni rivers. Mount Dukono has remained highly active with frequent eruptions and significant ash emissions impacting surrounding communities and transportation routes. (1)
Which cities or areas are affected by the volcano?
The following areas may be affected by the eruption and volcanic ashfall:
- Galela District
- Halmahera Island
- Mamuya Village
- North Halmahera Regency
- Ternate
- Tobelo
Volcanic ash from Mount Dukono has been drifting northward, increasing the risk of ashfall in nearby residential communities and populated areas around Tobelo City.
Authorities continue to warn residents about possible disruptions to air quality and transportation. (2)
What is the current containment status of the volcano?
As of May 9, 2026, Mount Dukono remains highly active and is currently under Alert Level II according to Indonesia’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation.
The volcano has recorded more than 200 eruptions since March 2026, including a major eruption on May 8 that sent ash approximately 10 kilometers above the summit. (3)
Rescue operations near the crater have faced delays due to repeated eruptions, falling volcanic debris, difficult terrain, and low visibility caused by ash clouds. Indonesian authorities continue deploying rescue teams, police personnel, military support, and drone surveillance around the volcano. (4)
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Authorities have maintained strict restrictions around Mount Dukono, prohibiting all activities within a 4-kilometer radius of the crater due to the ongoing eruption risk.
Indonesian volcanology officials have repeatedly warned tourists, hikers, and local residents to avoid entering restricted zones because of threats including ashfall, volcanic rock ejections, lava flows, and sudden explosive eruptions. (5)
Emergency rescue operations have been ongoing since the May 8 eruption after several hikers became trapped near the summit. Search and rescue teams temporarily suspended operations during periods of increased volcanic activity before resuming when conditions improved.
Authorities are investigating reports that tourism operators may have allowed hikers to enter restricted areas despite official warnings and climbing bans. The volcanology agency continues to maintain elevated alert levels and urges the public to follow all official advisories. (7)
How can I protect myself from volcanic smoke?
Always plan ahead to protect yourself from a volcanic eruption.
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter volcanic smoke.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
