A sudden and powerful eruption of Mount Dukono on Indonesia’s eastern Halmahera island has left at least three hikers dead and 10 others missing. The early morning eruption sent a massive ash cloud approximately 6 miles (10 kilometers) into the sky, trapping climbers in a region that had recently been declared off-limits due to heightened volcanic activity.
The disaster has triggered a complex search and rescue operation in some of the region’s most challenging terrain. While some climbers managed to escape the blast zone, authorities are racing against time and ongoing volcanic rumblings to locate those still missing on the mountain’s slopes.
The event underscores the volatile nature of Indonesia’s volcanic landscape, where sudden shifts in activity can turn recreational hiking into a life-threatening situation. Local officials have warned nearby residential areas and the city of Tobelo to remain vigilant as volcanic ash continues to rain down across the region.
Casualties and Missing Persons
Police officials have confirmed the deaths of three individuals following the eruption. According to Erlichson Pasaribu, the police chief of North Halmahera district, the deceased include two foreigners and one resident of Ternate, an island located in east Indonesia. The Guardian reported that while seven people were able to descend the mountain safely, 10 others remain missing.
In addition to the fatalities, the national disaster management agency (BNPB) has reported that five climbers sustained injuries during the eruption on Friday. The identity and condition of the injured have not been fully disclosed, but rescue teams are prioritizing the evacuation of those still trapped in the danger zone.
Perilous Rescue Operations
The effort to locate the missing hikers is being severely hampered by the geography of Mount Dukono and the continued instability of the volcano. Erlichson Pasaribu noted that the rescue operation is taking place in rough terrain that is only partially accessible by vehicles. Once vehicles can go no further, rescue teams must carry victims and equipment on stretchers to navigate the steep and unstable slopes.
The danger is compounded by the fact that the volcano remains active. “There is still rumbling from the eruption,” Pasaribu stated, noting that these ongoing seismic events are slowing the pace of the evacuation and posing a risk to the search teams themselves.
Abdul Muhari, a spokesperson for the BNPB, confirmed that joint teams from the regional disaster management agency and the national search and rescue agency are continuing to conduct sweeps and evacuations. The operation remains fluid as volcanic activity fluctuates, necessitating a cautious approach to ensure the safety of the first responders.
Geological Warnings and Ash Fall
The eruption was preceded by a “booming sound” and the rapid ascent of a thick smoke column from the summit, according to Lana Saria, the head of the government geology agency. The sheer scale of the eruption—pushing ash 10 kilometers into the atmosphere—has created significant hazards for the surrounding population.
Saria warned that the distribution of the ash is leaning northward. Residential areas and the city of Tobelo have been advised to stay alert for “volcanic ash rain,” which can cause respiratory issues and disrupt local infrastructure. Residents in these areas are typically encouraged to use masks and protect water sources from contamination during such events.
Ignoring the Danger Zone
One of the most critical aspects of this tragedy is that the area where the hikers were located had been declared off-limits to visitors just last month. This restriction was implemented after scientists observed a marked increase in volcanic activity, signaling that an eruption was becoming more likely.
The presence of hikers in a restricted zone highlights a recurring challenge for Indonesian authorities: balancing the popularity of volcanic trekking with the unpredictable nature of the “Ring of Fire.” Despite official warnings and the closure of the area, the Mount Dukono slopes continued to attract visitors, leading to the current crisis.
The search and rescue mission continues as teams attempt to reach the remaining missing persons before further eruptions occur. The next official update on the status of the missing hikers and the stability of Mount Dukono is expected from the BNPB and the government geology agency as the evacuation effort progresses.
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