JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — An explosive eruption of Mount Dukono on the remote Indonesian island of Halmahera resulted in the deaths of three hikers, as reported by authorities on Friday. This tragic incident occurred when around 20 climbers breached safety restrictions and set out to ascend the nearly 1,355-meter (4,445-foot) volcano on Thursday.
Northern Halmahera police chief Erlichson Pasaribu stated that the climbers became stranded when Dukono erupted at 7:41 a.m. local time. The volcanic eruption released a substantial ash column that rose approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) into the atmosphere. Seismographs recorded the eruption activity for more than 16 minutes, according to Indonesia’s Geological Agency.
Authorities emphasized that the climbers were aware of the prohibition on climbing due to the mountain being designated as a restricted zone owing to its high alert status. Despite these warnings, they chose to proceed with their plans. Following the eruption, rescue teams were activated after an emergency signal was received from the mountain area. Unfortunately, three men—two from Singapore and one Indonesian national—were confirmed dead at the scene.
As of Friday afternoon, 14 climbers, including seven foreign nationals, had been safely evacuated, though five of those had sustained injuries. Rescue efforts continued as teams searched for additional climbers believed to be trying to descend from the volcano. However, the recovery of the bodies had not yet taken place, as ongoing eruptions and perilous conditions prevented teams from reaching the site.
The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation has long imposed a ban on activities within a 40-kilometer (25-mile) radius of Dukono's crater, citing numerous hazards such as volcanic bombs, ash fallout, and toxic gases. It is believed that the hikers were within this restricted area at the time of the eruption.
In light of persistent warnings communicated through social media and explicit signs at the site, Pasaribu pointed out that many adventurers remain undeterred by restrictions, motivated by the desire to create online content. Mount Dukono is recognized as one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, having erupted almost continuously since 1933. The country is situated along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area notorious for intense seismic and volcanic activity, and hosts more than 120 active volcanoes.
Local authorities have raised alarms about potential secondary hazards, including volcanic mudflows, particularly during heavy rain, which could travel along rivers descending from the slopes of the volcano. Current volcanic activity at Dukono is classified as high, with authorities placing it at the second highest alert level. Since late March, the volcano has exhibited an increase in explosive magmatic eruptions, with nearly 200 eruptions logged since March 30, averaging approximately 95 eruptions each day.
According to Lana Saria, head of Indonesia's Geology Agency at the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, Friday's eruption was among the strongest recorded during this heightened activity period. She noted that ash clouds, varying in color from white to gray and black, were being carried northward. This ashfall poses risks to nearby communities, including the town of Tobelo, raising concerns related to public health, transportation, and daily life.
Officials have urged residents, tourists, and climbers to remain calm, adhere to official guidance, and avoid restricted areas as monitoring efforts for Mount Dukono continue diligently.
