Three dead after volcano erupts on Indonesian island

Volcanic activity claims lives of hikers on North Maluku’s Mount Dukono

Three dead after volcano erupts on Indonesian – Three individuals lost their lives when Mount Dukono erupted on Friday morning, disrupting a group of twenty hikers on Indonesia’s North Maluku island. The incident unfolded as the volcano, known for its frequent activity, unleashed a towering ash plume that reached over 10 kilometers into the sky. Despite warnings from officials, the hikers had ventured onto the mountain, ignoring advisories meant to safeguard their safety.

Authorities had previously issued alerts urging caution due to the volcano’s unpredictable nature. These warnings were disseminated through social media and posted at trail entrances, yet some climbers proceeded with their ascent. The recent eruption occurred at 07:41 local time (22:41 GMT on Thursday), catching several hikers off guard. At that moment, the mountain was still active, with volcanic material being expelled from its crater.

North Halmahera police chief Erlichson Pasaribu confirmed that the remains of the three deceased are still on the mountain. The victims included two Singaporean men, aged 30 and 27, and a local woman from the nearby city of Ternate. While the identities of the foreign climbers were disclosed, no further details were provided about the local resident. The bodies, however, remain inaccessible due to the ongoing eruptions and treacherous conditions.

Rescuers managed to locate and evacuate the majority of the group, transporting them to hospitals. Two porters from the team chose to stay behind, aiding in the search for the victims. Their efforts were critical in navigating the hazardous terrain, but the retrieval process was delayed by repeated volcanic bursts and strong blasts from the crater. “The operation was paused as night fell, and we expect to resume on Saturday,” Erlichson explained.

Footage and images captured during the eruption revealed a dramatic scene: a dense column of ash and rock fragments rising into the sky. A local resident assisting with the rescue efforts, Aldy Salabia, described the chaos from a temporary shelter on the mountain. “From our position, we could see ash and debris being ejected continuously,” he said, emphasizing the intensity of the event. The shelter served as a staging area for rescuers, who were working to recover the bodies amid the volcanic activity.

The volcano has been active for over two hundred times since last March, making it one of the most volatile in Indonesia. Despite this history, the eruption caught some hikers unprepared. “When Dukono hasn’t erupted for a few days, you have to be careful,” said a guide who was present during the event. He noted that the volcano’s pressure had been building for several days, leading to a “major” and “very strong” eruption. The guide had observed groups near the crater’s edge and others approximately 50 meters away, filming drone videos as they ascended.

As the eruption began, the guide quickly decided to descend with his clients, ensuring their safety. “I heard deep tremors and realized the situation was urgent,” he recalled. However, he also spotted numerous hikers still at the summit, unaware of the impending danger. “Even after the eruption, many remained on the mountain, not heeding the warnings,” he added, highlighting a recurring issue with hikers’ preparedness.

The Indonesian search and rescue agency Barsanas indicated that initial assessments suggested “possible negligence” by tourism operators or individuals who ignored the cautionary measures. “The government is continuing to gather information to establish a complete account of the incident,” the agency stated. This negligence was underscored by the fact that the volcano’s activity had been closely monitored, and its risk level was well understood.

Mount Dukono is currently listed at level two on the Volcanological Survey of Indonesia’s four-tier alert system, indicating increased activity and the need for vigilance. Since December 2024, the agency has recommended that tourists and climbers avoid the area within a 4-kilometer radius of the main crater. This zone is considered high-risk due to the potential for ejected rocks, ash, and lava. Yet, the mountain continues to attract hikers, drawn by its natural beauty and the thrill of adventure.

Experts caution that active volcanoes like Dukono should not be treated as routine destinations. Dr. Daryono of the Indonesian Association of Disaster Experts remarked that the incident “once again demonstrated that active volcanoes cannot be considered as ordinary tourist attractions.” The mountain’s almost constant eruptive activity makes it a unique and dangerous environment, requiring constant monitoring and adaptive safety protocols.

Siti Sumilah Rita Susilawati, head of the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), clarified that the no-gone zone was a recommendation rather than an absolute rule. “The agency communicated this to the local community, but some still choose to overlook it,” she noted. The recommendations aim to reduce risks, yet the persistent appeal of the volcano has led to continued activity in its vicinity.

The tragedy has raised questions about the balance between tourism and safety. While the alerts were clear, the decision to ascend the mountain was made by the hikers themselves. “Dukono is a mountain with almost continuous eruptive activity, so any visit requires careful planning,” Susilawati said. The incident serves as a reminder that even with warnings, the unpredictable nature of volcanic activity can lead to devastating consequences.

As the rescue operations continue, the focus remains on recovering the victims and assessing the full impact of the eruption. The local community and authorities are working together to ensure that future climbs are conducted with greater awareness of the risks. “We must learn from this event to prevent similar tragedies,” Erlichson said, reflecting the community’s determination to improve safety measures.