Ternate, North Maluku province (ANTARA News) - Mount Gamalama erupted again here on Friday at 15.45 local time causing panic among the local people.

Chief of Volcano Observation Unit for the eastern part of Indonesia Kristianto said the volcano spewed a dark thick cloud that rose to a height of 1,000 meters.

"Volcanic ash from the eruption also fell on residential areas in Marikurubu, Moya and Torano subdistricts," he said adding that his staff were continuously observing Mount Gamalama`s activity.

Mount Gamalama also erupted last December 5. The 1,700-meter high volcano spewed ashes which fell on Ternate city.

Some of the local residents living on the slopes of Mt Gamalama then took refuge at relatives` houses near the city`s coast.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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