Mount Dukono eruption kills 3 hikers, 17 rescued in Indonesia
A volcanic eruption at Mount Dukono in Indonesia has killed three hikers and prompted a major rescue operation that evacuated 17 others from the crater area. The victims included Singapore nationals and an Indonesian citizen, according to authorities involved in the operation.
The incident occurred at Mount Dukono on Halmahera island, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanic regions. At the time of the eruption, 20 hikers—comprising nine foreigners and 11 Indonesian nationals—were trekking near the crater.
Rescue teams managed to evacuate 17 people by Friday evening, while search operations continued for those missing. Around 100 rescuers, along with military and police personnel, were deployed, supported by thermal drones to assist in locating survivors in difficult terrain. Operations were temporarily suspended due to ongoing eruptions, with at least four explosive events reported the following morning.
On Saturday, officials confirmed that two missing Singapore nationals had been found near the crater rim, though their condition remained unclear. Authorities warned that the area remained highly dangerous due to continued ash emissions and volcanic instability.
The eruption sent ash clouds up to 10 kilometres into the sky, according to Indonesia’s volcanology agency. Officials had already restricted access within a 4-kilometre radius of the crater due to heightened activity since March.
The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation continues to monitor the situation and has urged strict adherence to safety advisories. No flight disruptions have been reported so far.a
