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BANDUNG. Concerning the increase of volcanic activity of Mt. Gamkonora in West Halmahera District, North Moluccas since May 3rd, 2011, commencing on May 13th, 2012 at 11 a.m. (East Indonesia Standard Time), the activity status of Mt. Gamkonora increased from Advisory (Level II) to Watch (Level III) by PVMBG, Geological Agency. Citizens surrounding Mt. Gamkonora are hoped to be calm and not visiting the Crater within the radius 3 km from the peak of Mt. Gamkonora.
Mt. Gamkonora has been in the Advisory Status (Level II) since May 3rd, 2011, which designated by the increase of Deep Volcanic Earthquake (VA), recorded a continuous tremor shaking since May 2nd, 2001, and the increase of harmonic tremor. Visual observation during May – June 2012, the crater smoke is medium-thin, 75 – 200 m height of the crater rim. There were no firelight, explosion, the smell of sulfur, or other unusual phenomenon, this was the press release accepted by the editorial staff of esdm.go.id. Monday (17/6).
Besides recommending citizens surrounding Mt. Gamkonora to be calm and not to be influenced by the issue of Mt. Gamkonora explosion, citizens are asked to increase alert and always obey the instruction of Local Government/BPBD and Districts. PVMBG will always coordinate with BPBD North Moluccas Province and West Halmahera District concerning the activity of Mt. Gamkonora.
The mountain is located in West Halmahera District, North Moluccas Province. Geographically, the peak is located in 1º 22’ 30" NorthLat. and 127º 3' 00" EastLong. and in 1635 meter above the sea level. The explosion characteristics of the mountain are generally explosive by emitting pyroclastic materials such as lump rocks, lapilli, and volcanic ash and sometimes are emitting lava flows. Historically, the explosion and the increase of volcanic activity since the year of 1564/1565 up to now have been recorded for eleven times and all happened in the peak crater. The last explosion happened in July 2007. (AK)
