Fatal Eruption on Mount Dukono
Three individuals hiking on Mount Dukono in Indonesia lost their lives following a volcanic eruption on Friday morning.
Visuals captured during the event depict the volcano, situated on North Maluku island, emitting an ash plume reaching 10km (six miles) into the atmosphere.
The deceased were among a group of 20 hikers from Singapore and Indonesia who ascended the mountain despite existing restrictions. Rescue teams eventually located and evacuated the remaining members of the group.
Mount Dukono has experienced over 200 eruptions since March of the previous year. Authorities had issued warnings advising against climbing the volcano due to safety risks.
The eruption occurred at 07:41 local time (22:41 GMT Thursday), coinciding with early morning hiking activities on the mountain.
Victim Details and Rescue Efforts
Indonesian officials reported that two Singaporean males, aged 30 and 27, and one local female resident from Ternate city were the fatalities. Further personal details about the local victim have not been disclosed.
The bodies of the three deceased remain on the mountain, while most of the hiking party have been safely evacuated and transported to medical facilities.
Two porters from the group stayed behind to assist rescue personnel in locating the bodies.
On Friday afternoon, Mount Dukono continued to emit volcanic material from its crater, according to a local resident aiding rescue operations.
Aldy Salabia stated to BBC Indonesian, "From the shelter, we can see ash and rock material continuously being ejected."
North Halmahera police chief Erlichson Pasaribu indicated that efforts to retrieve the bodies, located at higher elevations, are hindered by ongoing eruptions, challenging terrain, and powerful volcanic blasts.
Additional Hikers and Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses reported the presence of other hikers on the mountain beyond the 20-member group.
A guide present on Mount Dukono with two clients at the time described the eruption as "major" and "very strong," attributing it to pressure buildup inside the volcano over several days.
He explained, "When Dukono hasn't erupted for a few days, you have to be careful."
While ascending, he observed one group near the crater's edge and another approximately 50 meters away filming drone footage.
"I heard deep tremors. So I decided to immediately descend with the guests. And in the end, the three of us were safe," he recounted.
He also noted seeing many hikers still at the summit during their descent.
Warnings and Possible Negligence
Indonesian authorities confirmed that warnings against climbing Mount Dukono were widely disseminated via social media and signage at trailheads, though some hikers disregarded these advisories.
The national search and rescue agency, Barsanas, indicated that preliminary investigations suggest "possible negligence by tourism operators or individuals" who proceeded with the climb despite warnings.
Barsanas stated, "The government is continuing to gather information to establish a complete account of the incident."
Volcano Alert Status and Recommendations
Mount Dukono is currently classified at level two on the Volcanological Survey of Indonesia's four-tier alert system, signaling increased activity and caution.
Since December 2024, the agency has advised tourists and climbers to avoid activities within a 4km radius of the volcano's main crater due to risks from ejected rocks, ash, and lava.
Despite these recommendations, hikers continue to ascend the 1,335-meter mountain.
Siti Sumilah Rita Susilawati, Head of the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), commented, "Dukono is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia."
She added, "The no-go zone was a 'recommendation' that the agency made to local governments, adding that they had 'communicated it with the local community'."
Expert Commentary on Risks
Dr. Daryono, representing the Indonesian Association of Disaster Experts, emphasized the dangers posed by active volcanoes as tourist sites.
He stated, "Dukono is a mountain with almost continuous eruptive activity, so any violation of the danger zone carries a fatal risk."
"On social media, the public often sees videos of climbers or influencers who successfully ascend and return safely. Such content slowly creates a distorted risk perception.
"The public only sees those who successfully descend and post dramatic content, while potential threats that did not occur at the time become invisible. The real danger remains and could emerge at any time in the form of ejections of incandescent material, thick ashfall, volcanic gas, or sudden explosive eruptions."
Additional reporting by Koh Ewe.
