A volcano in Indonesia erupted on Friday morning, killing three hikers and injuring 15 others. Mount Dukono on North Maluku Island erupted at 07:41 local time (10:41 PM GMT Thursday), sending ash billowing 10 kilometers into the sky.
Deaths and Rescue Operations
Local police confirmed that two foreign nationals and one Indonesian hiker died while attempting to reach the summit. Rescue teams have located all survivors from a group of 20 hikers, including nine foreigners, who had gone missing after the eruption. A police chief stated that 15 people are being treated in hospital for injuries related to the incident. Authorities plan to question those who accompanied the hikers up the mountain regarding possible negligence by tourism operators or individuals.
Victim Identities
The identities of the deceased foreign hikers, both from Singapore, have not yet been released. Officials reported that the group had set off on an expedition despite a climbing ban in place for the volcano.
Volcanic Activity and Warnings
Mount Dukono is one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, exhibiting almost continuous eruptive activity. It is listed at Level Two on the Volcanological Survey of Indonesia's four-tier alert system. Visitors and locals are advised to stay at least four kilometers away from the crater. Despite these warnings, the volcano remains a popular destination for tourists and hikers.
Dr. Mudrik Daryono, a member of the Indonesian Association of Disaster Experts, warned potential visitors against attempting to scale the volcano. 'The public only sees those who successfully descend and post dramatic content, while potential threats that did not occur at the time become invisible. The real danger remains and could emerge at any time,' he said.
Background
This eruption follows a history of volcanic activity in Indonesia, which sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire. The country has numerous active volcanoes, and eruptions often pose risks to both locals and tourists.
