Rescue operations are underway in Indonesia after 20 hikers, including nine Singaporeans, became trapped following the eruption of Mount Dukono on Halmahera island in North Maluku province.
The volcano erupted on the morning of May 8 at approximately 7.41am local time, according to Indonesian authorities. Mount Dukono, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, reportedly sent volcanic ash soaring as high as 10 kilometres into the sky during the eruption.
The incident has triggered major rescue efforts involving emergency personnel, police officers and local authorities as concerns grow over the safety of the stranded hikers.
Authorities said the group consisted of nine Singaporeans alongside several Indonesian hikers who were believed to be in the area when the eruption occurred.
Indonesian Authorities Deploy Rescue Teams
Local rescue agency chief Iwan Ramdani said dozens of rescue personnel had been deployed to search for and evacuate those affected by the volcanic activity.
Indonesian volcanology officials maintained Mount Dukono’s alert status at the third-highest warning level following the eruption. Residents and visitors have also been advised to avoid all activities within a four-kilometre radius of the crater due to safety concerns.
Officials further warned about the possibility of dangerous volcanic mudflows if heavy rainfall occurs in affected areas.
Videos and photographs circulating online showed thick ash clouds billowing from the volcano, with visibility in nearby regions reportedly reduced by falling ash and smoke.
Despite the eruption’s intensity, there were initially no reports of disruptions to commercial flights operating in the area.
Concerns Grow Over Safety Of Singaporean Hikers
The incident has sparked concern among Singaporeans, particularly as hiking trips to Indonesia’s volcanoes have become increasingly popular among adventure travellers in recent years.
Indonesia sits along the Pacific “Ring of Fire” and is home to more than 120 active volcanoes, making volcanic eruptions relatively common across the archipelago. Mount Dukono itself has experienced frequent eruptions over the years and remains under constant monitoring by Indonesian authorities.
As rescue efforts continue, families and friends of those involved are anxiously awaiting updates from authorities regarding the hikers’ condition and evacuation progress.
The eruption also highlights the growing risks associated with volcano trekking tourism, especially in regions with unstable geological activity and rapidly changing weather conditions.
At the time of writing, authorities have not released the identities of the affected Singaporeans, while rescue operations remain ongoing.