Mount Dukono, located in North Halmahera Regency, North Maluku, erupted again on Monday, February 3, 2025. The eruption quickly made headlines when a viral video showed a climber capturing the dramatic moment of the volcano’s eruption. The footage has sparked discussions online, particularly around the climber’s safety and the eruption’s intensity.
A Dramatic Moment Captured on Camera
The viral video, shared by the TikTok account @Eca_Thawil, shows a thick jet of ash shooting into the sky from the summit of Mount Dukono. The eruption is accompanied by a loud rumbling sound, making the scene even more intense. In the video, the climber remains calm and continues to film from a safe distance, with a caption reading, “Dukono Volcano 🌋.”
@echa_thawil Dukono volacano 🌋 #Dukono #GunungDukono ♬ suara asli – echa_thawil
The video was widely shared across various social media platforms, including Instagram, through major accounts like @aljazeeraenglish. Many viewers were amazed by the quality of the camera, with some commenting on how impressive the zoom was.
- “Zoom is from Galaxy or iPhone? Freaking impressive,” one user commented.
- “I am more surprised with the camera zoom,” said another.
While many praised the camera quality, others raised concerns about the climber’s safety.
Mount Dukono is known for its high volcanic activity, which makes it one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia. Despite frequent small to moderate eruptions, the mountain remains a popular destination for experienced climbers who want to witness the unique volcanic landscape. The summit offers an exotic view of an active crater constantly emitting smoke and ash.
Climbers must mentally prepare for the fact that eruptions can happen at any moment. However, Mount Dukono is generally considered safe for climbers, as long as proper precautions are taken.
Eruptions Continue: Hundreds of Eruptions in One Day
The Dukono Volcano Observation Post in North Halmahera reported significant seismic activity on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. Between midnight and midnight local time, there were 278 eruptions, with ash columns reaching heights of 500 to 600 meters above the peak. The ash was white and grey, with moderate to thick intensity.
In addition to the eruptions, seismic events included one felt earthquake and three distant tectonic tremors, accompanied by continuous microtremors with amplitudes between 1 and 5 mm.
Safety Warnings and Advisory
Due to the ongoing volcanic activity, Mount Dukono is currently at Level II (Alert) status. The Dukono PGA Post has issued a safety warning for people living near the volcano and for tourists and climbers. They are advised not to approach the Malupang Warirang Crater or engage in activities within a 4 km radius of the volcano.
M. Saum Amin, an officer at the Dukono PGA Post, explained that eruptions occur periodically, and ash distribution is dependent on wind direction and speed. As a result, the ash coverage area can vary, posing potential risks to nearby areas.
Mount Dukono continues to capture the attention of adventurers and nature enthusiasts, thanks to its powerful eruptions and captivating volcanic landscape. However, it remains essential for climbers and visitors to prioritize safety, staying informed of the latest alerts and taking necessary precautions when venturing near the active volcano.