Jakarta, Indonesia — Three hikers were killed in an explosive eruption of Mount Dukno on the remote Indonesian island, officials said Friday.
North Halmahera police chief Erlichson Pasaribu said about 20 climbers defied safety restrictions Thursday to climb the nearly 1,355-meter (4,445-foot) volcano on Halmahera island.
They were trapped when Dukno erupted at 7:41 a.m. local time, releasing a plume of thick ash that rose about 10 kilometers (6.2 mi) above the summit. Indonesia’s geological agency said the explosion was recorded on seismometers for more than 16 minutes.
“They knew that climbing was prohibited because the mountain is a restricted area due to its high alert status, but they insisted on going ahead,” Pasaribu said in a television interview.
Rescue teams were deployed after receiving emergency signals from the hilly area. Pasaribu said three people – two Singaporeans and an Indonesian national – died at the scene.
By Friday afternoon, 14 climbers, including seven foreign nationals, had been rescued safely. Five of the evacuated people were reported injured. Rescue teams continued to search for other climbers who were believed to be attempting to descend.
The bodies had not yet been recovered as continuous explosions and dangerous conditions prevented rescue teams from reaching the location.
The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation has long banned activities within a 4-kilometre (2.5 mi) radius of Dukko Crater, citing dangers such as volcanic bombs, ash fall and toxic gases. Officials believe pedestrians were inside the restricted area at the time of the explosion.
Despite warnings on social media and signs on the site, “many people are determined to climb, motivated by a desire to create content online,” Pasaribu said.
Mount Dukano is one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes and has been erupting almost continuously since 1933. Indonesia lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, an area of ​​intense seismic and volcanic activity, and is home to more than 120 active volcanoes.
Authorities have also warned of potential secondary hazards, including volcanic mud, especially during heavy rains, which could travel along rivers flowing down the slopes of the volcano.
Volcanic activity at Dukono remains high, and officials said it is at the second-highest alert level. Officials said the volcano has seen an increase in explosive magmatic eruptions since late March, with nearly 200 eruptions recorded since March 30 and an average of about 95 a day.
“Friday’s eruption was one of the strongest during this period,” said Lana Saria, head of Indonesia’s geology agency at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. He said that clouds of ash ranging from white to brown and black were flying towards the north.
He warned that ash fall could affect nearby settlements, including the town of Tobelo, increasing health risks and disrupting transportation and daily life.
Officials urged residents, tourists and climbers to remain calm, follow official guidance and avoid restricted areas as Mount Dukno continues to be monitored.
