Mount Dukono Eruption in Indonesia: 3 Dead, 20 Hikers Missing Following Massive Ash Cloud

A catastrophic eruption of the Mount Dukono volcano on Indonesia’s Halmahera Island has claimed at least three lives, leaving 20 hikers missing.

Authorities launched a large-scale search and rescue operation on Friday (May 8) as dozens of rescuers, including police personnel, scrambled to locate the missing individuals, nine of whom are Singaporean nationals.

According to Indonesia's Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, the eruption began at 7:41 AM local time, sending a massive column of volcanic ash nearly 10 kilometers (6.21 miles) into the atmosphere. The event was accompanied by powerful tremors and loud explosions. Local police confirmed that two of the three deceased victims were foreign nationals. Despite an official ban on tourism in the area since April 17 due to heightened volcanic activity, hikers were reportedly present near the crater during the explosion.

A 4-kilometer exclusion zone has been established around the Malupang Warirang crater to prevent further casualties. Officials have warned residents of Tobelo City to prepare for volcanic ash rain, as wind is carrying the debris northward. In addition to ash, the authorities have alerted the public about the dangers of flying rocks and potential lava flows, advising everyone to stay clear of the high-risk zones.