A volcanic eruption on Mount Dukono in North Maluku province, Indonesia, has resulted in the deaths of three hikers and prompted a search and rescue operation.
The eruption occurred on Friday, April 25, at 7:41 a.m. local time (22:41 GMT Thursday).
Eruption Details
According to Indonesia's Geological Agency, the explosion produced an ash column approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) high. Seismographs recorded the event for over 16 minutes. The eruption generated weak to strong booming sounds.
Since late March, Mount Dukono has experienced nearly 200 eruptions, with this event described by reports as among the strongest in that period.
Casualties and Evacuations
The deceased include two Singaporean nationals and one Indonesian national, according to North Halmahera police chief Erlichson Pasaribu. The body of an Indonesian woman, identified only as Enjel, was recovered on Saturday approximately 50 meters from the crater rim. The bodies of the two Singaporean hikers have not yet been located.
Seventeen of the 20 hikers on the mountain have been safely evacuated. Among the evacuees were seven Singaporean nationals and two Indonesian individuals who assisted with rescue efforts. Ten evacuees sustained minor burn injuries, and five people were reported injured overall. Two porters remained on the mountain to assist in locating bodies.
Search and Rescue Operations
As of Saturday, authorities reported that 14 climbers, including seven foreign nationals, had been evacuated. Search efforts continued for additional missing hikers. More than 100 personnel, supported by drones, are searching a 700-square-meter area.
Rescue operations are hampered by ongoing volcanic activity, with ash columns rising up to 3,000 meters and lava bursts observed overnight. Iwan Ramdani, head of the local Search and Rescue Office, stated that rescue teams approach the crater only when conditions are declared safe and secure personnel during eruptions. He noted that the main challenge is racing against continuing eruptions.
Background and Restrictions
Mount Dukono, one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, has been erupting almost continuously since 1933. It has been on the second-highest alert level since 2008.
In December 2024, authorities recommended a 4-kilometer exclusion zone around the active crater, enforced by the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation. Local authorities closed all hiking routes to Mount Dukono in April 2024 and reinforced the ban after Friday's eruption.
North Halmahera police chief Pasaribu confirmed that the hikers were inside the restricted zone at the time of the eruption. The group's guide and a porter have been detained and may face criminal charges for leading hikers into the prohibited area.
Secondary Hazards and Warnings
Authorities have warned of potential volcanic mudflows during heavy rain and advised of possible ashfall affecting nearby settlements, including Tobelo town. Residents and tourists are urged to avoid the restricted area and follow official guidance.