JAKARTA. Based on seismic data, visual, and data analysis done by the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, Ministry of EMR, the activity status of Mt. Gamalama in North Maluku increased from Advisory (Level II) to Watch (Level III) since December 4th, 2011 at 11.00 p.m. WIT (East Indonesia Standard Time). This was also stated via telephone to BPBD (Regional Agency for Disaster Mitigation) North Maluku Province and BPBD Ternate.
The visual observation from Observation Post of Mt. Marikuburu on December 4th, 2011 was seen thick white smoke in low-pressure reached 150 meters height above the peak heading to the west. While, based on seismicity observation was recorded 8 times far-tectonic earthquake with maximum amplitude 4 - 32 mm and earthquake duration 40 -125 seconds. Some were felt once earthquake in scale of I – II MMU, twice local tectonic earthquake with maximum amplitude 7 – 25 mm and earthquake duration 32 – 35 seconds, five times deep volcanic earthquake with maximum amplitude 6 – 27 mm, S-P 0, 15 – 1, 1 seconds and earthquake duration 10 -16 seconds, 47 times shallow volcanic earthquake with amplitude 4 - 45 mm and earthquake duration 10 – 30 seconds, 5 times earthquake blowing with maximum amplitude 1, 5 – 2 mm. starting on 10.58 p.m. WIT, was recorded continuous tremor shakes with maximum amplitude 35 mm.
Mt. Gamalama is one of active volcano located in North Maluku. Administratively is located in Ternate (Ternate Island), North Maluku Province, while geographically is located in 0o 48’ North Lat. and 127o 19’ 30” East Long. with its peak is 1715 meter above the sea level.
Related to the increased status of Mt. Gamalama, Ministry of EMR recommended citizens surrounding Mt. Gamalama to be calm, not to be influenced by explosion issues, however have to increase vigilance and follow the instruction of BPBD of North Maluku Province. Citizens surrounding Mt. Gamalama and visitors/tourism may not hike and get close to the crated in the peak of Mt. Gamalama within the radius 2, 5 km.
On December 5th, 2011 at 00.08 WIT has been an explosion followed by burst of volcanic ash, then the responsible person of Ternate Airport has to take technical steps to save the flight route from and to Ternate Airport. The Local Government of North Maluku Province is asked to prepare evacuation steps if Mt. Gamalama volcanic activity increased anytime, which is significantly and potentially threats the citizens living in Prone-Disaster Areas II.
The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation always coordinates with BPBD North Maluku Province and BPBD Ternate City concerning the activity of Mt. Gamalama. The Local Government is coordinating with Observation Post of Mt. Gamalama in Marikurubu Village, South Ternate Sub-District, Ternate, North Maluku Province or with the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation in Bandung.
The history of explosion recorded starting from 1538 up to 2003, with the longest explosion interval for 50 years and the shortest explosion interval for 1 year. Mt. Gamalama explosion generally happened in Main Crater and almost always be magmatic unless the explosion happened in 1907, which took place in East slope (side explosion) and produced lava falls (Batu Angus) up to the beach. The volcanic activity status of Mt. Gamalama, since May 11th, 2008, was increased from Normal (Level I) to Advisory (Level II). (AK)
