Mount Dukono erupted Friday, sending an ash plume 10 km into the sky and leaving at least three hikers dead or missing [1, 2].
The eruption underscores the volatility of Indonesia's volcanic regions, where sudden activity shifts can trap tourists and locals within lethal exclusion zones.
The volcano is located on Halmahera Island in the North Maluku province. Indonesian authorities raised the alert level to the third-highest stage and established a 4 km exclusion zone around the crater [1, 5].
Reports regarding the casualties vary. Some officials said three hikers are missing [1], while other reports said three hikers were killed [2, 4]. Approximately 20 climbers had set out for the ascent [6].
Rescue teams evacuated 17 hikers from the slopes [1]. Of those rescued, 15 were transported to a hospital for medical treatment [5].
Authorities said the volcano entered a heightened activity phase, which triggered the emergency response and the implementation of the safety perimeter [1, 5]. Search and rescue operations continue for those still unaccounted for on the mountain.
“Mount Dukono erupted Friday, sending an ash plume 10 km into the sky”
The discrepancy in casualty reports, ranging from missing to confirmed dead, reflects the chaotic nature of rescue operations in remote volcanic terrain. Because Mount Dukono is frequently active, the failure to maintain a strict buffer zone before the eruption phase can lead to rapid casualties among hikers who are often unaware of the third-highest alert level until the event occurs.
