Three hikers – two from Singapore and one Indonesian – have died following an eruption of Indonesia's Mount Dukono volcano, officials confirmed. The victims were in a restricted no-go zone when the volcano erupted early Friday morning on Halmahera island.
Eruption Details
The eruption sent an ash cloud approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) into the air, according to the national volcanology agency. No towns or villages were immediately threatened, as the nearest settlements are over 9 kilometers away.
Twenty hikers were on the slopes when the eruption occurred, said North Halmahera police chief Erlichson Pasaribu. Nine were from Singapore, and the rest were Indonesian. As of several hours after the eruption, 15 climbers had safely descended. The bodies of the deceased remain on the mountain due to ongoing dangerous conditions.
Rescue Efforts Hampered
Rescue operations are taking place in rough terrain, only partially accessible by vehicles. The joint rescue team is awaiting safe conditions to begin the search for the remaining two hikers, whose whereabouts are unknown. Some hikers sustained minor injuries and have been hospitalized.
The group's guide and a porter are in police custody and may face criminal charges for leading hikers into a prohibited area. Since December, the volcanology center has warned against approaching within 4 kilometers of the Malupang Warirang crater due to increased seismic activity.
Warnings Ignored
Police chief Erlichson stated that the hikers disregarded social media alerts and warning signs at the trail entrance. Local residents understand the risks and avoid climbing, but many foreign tourists seek to create content. He urged hikers to stay away to prevent a recurrence of Friday's disaster.
Lana Saria, head of the government geology agency, reported that the eruption was accompanied by a booming sound and a thick column of ash rising 10 kilometers from the summit. Ash distribution leans northward, potentially affecting residential areas and Tobelo city with volcanic ash rain, which could harm public health and disrupt transportation.
Indonesia's Volcanic Activity
Indonesia, an archipelago nation, experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates collide. The country has nearly 130 active volcanoes. Mount Dukono is currently at alert level 2 on Indonesia's four-tiered system. Authorities will strictly monitor hiking posts to prevent access while the status remains at level 2.
