Ternate Airport Closed Due to Volcanic Ash From Mt. Gamalama's Eruption
Jakarta. The Babullah Airport in Ternate, North Maluku, was declared closed until Thursday as volcanic ash from the Mt. Gamalama eruption on Wednesday morning (03/08) enveloped much of its runway.
National Disaster Mitigation Agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said Mt. Gamalama erupted at 6.28 a.m. local time. Volcanic ash rose 500 to 600 meters into the air from its crater and the wind subsequently blew the ash south and southeast of the volcano.
“The eruption was allegedly triggered by a 4.6-magnitude earthquake which happened at 6.14 a.m. According to the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency, the epicenter of the eruption was 86 kilometers southwest of West Halmahera at a depth of 18 kilometers,” said Sutopo in Jakarta.
The Babullah Airport may reopen at 10 a.m. on Thursday if the condition allows, Sutopo said.
Reports said volcanic ashes were also reported in the Ake Huda area south and southeast of Mt. Gamalama.
“Evacuation is not necessary, yet. Residents are advised to stay calm and rely on information issued by the Mt. Gamalama Monitoring Authorities,” Sutopo said.
The threat level from Mt. Gamalama is currently at 2, "on alert." The authorities have prohibited any activity within a radius of 1.5 kilometers from the volcano.
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