Three hikers died Friday morning after Mount Dukono erupted in North Halmahera, eastern Indonesia [1], [4].
The disaster underscores the extreme risks associated with trekking active volcanoes in the region, where sudden eruptions can trap groups of climbers in hazardous conditions.
Authorities confirmed that the deaths include two Singaporean hikers and one resident of Ternate Island [2], [3]. The eruption sent a massive ash plume approximately 10 km into the atmosphere [1].
Rescue operations are currently underway for other climbers who were on the mountain during the event. Reports on the number of people remaining on the slopes vary, with some sources stating around 20 hikers are stranded [6], while others indicate more than 10 people remain missing [5].
Among the group of approximately 20 hikers on the mountain, nine were Singaporean nationals [7]. Emergency teams are working to locate and evacuate the survivors from the volcanic terrain.
Mount Dukono is known for its frequent activity, but the scale of Friday's eruption created immediate lethal conditions for those near the summit. Local officials said the high ash plume and hazardous atmospheric conditions led to the fatalities [1], [3].
“Three hikers died Friday morning after Mount Dukono erupted”
The loss of life among international tourists highlights the volatility of Indonesia's volcanic arc. The discrepancy in reporting regarding the number of missing versus stranded hikers suggests a chaotic rescue environment, common in remote regions of North Halmahera where communication is limited during geological events.
