Jakarta: A deadly eruption at Mount Dukono on Friday sent a massive ash column rising around 10 kilometres into the sky, catching hikers off guard despite prior warnings and restrictions in the area.

Local authorities confirmed that three hikers died in the incident, including two foreign nationals and one Indonesian resident from Ternate island. Seven others managed to descend safely, while 10 people remain missing as rescue teams continue operations in hazardous conditions.

Officials from Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency BNPB said at least five climbers were injured during the eruption. Search and rescue teams from Basarnas and regional disaster units have been deployed to the mountainous area, though progress is slow due to unstable volcanic activity and rough terrain that restricts vehicle access.

Police officials in North Halmahera noted that parts of the climb require evacuation teams to carry victims on stretchers. Continuous rumbling from the volcano has further complicated rescue efforts, raising safety concerns for emergency personnel on the ground.

The Geological Agency of Indonesia, through PVMBG, reported that the eruption produced a loud booming sound and a thick ash plume drifting northwards. Authorities warned that nearby areas, including Tobelo City, could experience ash fall that may affect air quality and disrupt transportation.

Mount Dukono, located on Halmahera Island in eastern Indonesia, is one of the country’s nearly 130 active volcanoes and sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, a region known for frequent seismic and volcanic activity. The volcano is currently under a level two alert, with authorities previously designating a restricted zone around the crater due to rising activity.

Officials said the affected hiking area had been declared off-limits last month after increased volcanic unrest was detected. Despite warnings, some visitors reportedly continued entering the zone, with authorities suggesting that social media-driven tourism played a role in risky climbing attempts.

Rescue operations are ongoing, but officials have cautioned that the situation remains unstable as volcanic activity continues to pose threats to both survivors and emergency teams.
(With AFP inputs)