Post by : Shakul

Two Singaporean tourists remain missing after Mount Dukono erupted in Indonesia’s North Maluku province on Friday morning, triggering a large-scale search and rescue operation in the area. Indonesian disaster authorities confirmed that the volcano erupted at approximately 7:41 a.m. local time, releasing a massive ash column nearly 10 kilometers into the sky. The eruption created panic among hikers and local residents near the active volcano.

According to Indonesia’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation, the eruption produced a thick ash plume that ranged in color from white and grey to dark black as it moved northward from the crater. Officials also reported rumbling sounds of varying intensity during the eruption. Seismic monitoring systems detected volcanic tremors with strong activity lasting more than 16 minutes, indicating significant volcanic pressure beneath the mountain.

Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency, stated that a total of 20 hikers were present on the volcano at the time of the eruption, including nine tourists from Singapore. Most hikers were evacuated safely following the incident, but two Singaporean tourists were still missing as rescue teams continued operations through difficult terrain and unstable volcanic conditions.

Search and Rescue teams, along with local disaster management officials, immediately launched emergency operations in North Halmahera Regency after receiving reports about the missing hikers. Authorities deployed drones and aerial monitoring equipment to scan the mountainous region for signs of the tourists. Rescue workers are facing challenges due to reduced visibility, volcanic ash, and dangerous environmental conditions around the volcano.

Mount Dukono is one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes and has experienced frequent eruptions over the years. The volcano is located on Halmahera Island in North Maluku and remains under continuous monitoring by geological authorities. Indonesia sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an area known for high volcanic and seismic activity, making volcanic eruptions relatively common across the country.

Officials have urged residents and tourists to stay away from the volcano’s danger zone while volcanic activity continues. Authorities are also closely monitoring air quality and possible impacts on nearby communities due to falling ash and changing weather conditions. Emergency teams remain on alert as experts continue evaluating the volcano’s activity levels following the eruption.

The incident has attracted international attention because of the involvement of foreign tourists and the scale of the volcanic eruption. Families of the missing hikers are reportedly in contact with Singaporean authorities while rescue teams continue searching the affected region. Indonesian disaster officials stated that operations will continue until all missing individuals are located and the area is declared safe.

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