A powerful eruption at Indonesia’s Mount Dukono volcano on Friday morning claimed the lives of three hikers who were part of a trekking group that had reportedly ignored official safety warnings. The volcano, located on Halmahera Island in North Maluku province, sent a massive ash plume nearly 10 km into the sky as rescue teams scrambled to evacuate survivors from the mountain.
Indonesian authorities confirmed that two Singaporean nationals and one local resident from Ternate died during the eruption, which occurred at around 7:41 AM local time. The victims were among a 20-member group of Singaporean and Indonesian hikers trekking on Mount Dukono despite restrictions around the crater zone.
Officials said most members of the group were successfully evacuated and taken to the hospital for treatment and observation. However, retrieval of the bodies proved difficult due to repeated eruptions, dangerous terrain, and continuous volcanic activity near the summit.
According to North Halmahera police chief Erlichson Pasaribu, two porters stayed back on the mountain to assist rescue teams in locating the victims. Search operations were later suspended Friday evening due to worsening conditions and were expected to resume on Saturday.
Videos circulating online showed Mount Dukono violently ejecting ash and volcanic debris high into the atmosphere, with thick clouds visible from surrounding areas.
Authorities Say Warnings Were Ignored
Officials said warnings against climbing Mount Dukono had been repeatedly issued through social media notices and banners placed at trail entrances. Indonesia’s volcanology agency had already advised tourists and trekkers to avoid entering a 4 km radius around the crater because of risks from volcanic rocks, ash, lava, and sudden explosive eruptions.
Despite the warnings, several hikers were reportedly on the mountain at the time of the eruption. Eyewitnesses said some trekkers were standing dangerously close to the crater, while others were filming drone footage moments before the blast.
A local guide who was escorting two clients down the mountain said he heard deep volcanic tremors shortly before the eruption and immediately decided to descend.
He described the eruption as “very strong” and said the volcano had shown signs of pressure buildup in recent days. While descending, he reportedly saw many hikers still gathered near the summit.
Indonesia’s search and rescue agency, Basarnas, said authorities were investigating possible negligence by tourism operators or individuals who allowed the climb despite active warnings.
One Of Indonesia’s Most Active Volcanoes
Mount Dukono, which stands at 1,335 metres, is among Indonesia’s most active volcanoes and has erupted hundreds of times over the past year. The volcano currently remains at Level 2 on Indonesia’s four-tier alert system, indicating heightened activity and ongoing danger.
Siti Sumilah Rita Susilawati, head of Indonesia’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, said the agency had consistently communicated risk advisories to local governments and nearby communities.
Disaster experts warned that the tragedy highlighted the dangers of treating active volcanoes as tourist attractions. Dr Daryono of the Indonesian Association of Disaster Experts said social media often creates a false sense of safety by showcasing successful summit attempts while ignoring the unpredictable nature of volcanic eruptions.
He warned that threats such as hot rock ejections, ashfall, toxic gas emissions, and sudden explosions could occur without warning, making restricted volcanic zones extremely dangerous for visitors.
(With inputs from various sources)
FAQs
1. Where is Mount Dukono located?
Mount Dukono is located on Halmahera Island in Indonesia’s North Maluku province and is one of the country’s most active volcanoes.
2. What happened during the Mount Dukono eruption?
Three hikers died after the volcano erupted during a trek, sending a massive ash plume into the sky and triggering rescue operations.
3. Were safety warnings issued before the eruption?
Yes, Indonesian authorities had warned tourists and trekkers to stay at least 4 km away from the crater due to heightened volcanic activity.
4. Why is Mount Dukono considered dangerous?
Mount Dukono experiences frequent eruptions and poses risks including ashfall, volcanic rock ejections, toxic gases, and sudden explosions.
5. Is trekking allowed on Mount Dukono?
Trekking restrictions are often imposed depending on volcanic activity levels. Visitors are advised to follow official advisories before planning climbs.
