Three Hikers Killed in Mount Dukono Eruption, Indonesia

On Friday, December 2024, a volcanic eruption at Mount Dukono in Indonesia led to the deaths of three hikers, two of whom were Singaporean. The eruption occurred while a group of twenty hikers was on the slopes of the volcano, which had been designated a no-go zone due to its activity.

Erlichson Pasaribu, the North Halmahera police chief, reported that the volcano emitted an ash cloud reaching 10 kilometers into the air. Rescuers found nine Singaporean and Indonesian climbers alive, while three bodies were recovered.

Iwan Ramdani, head of the local rescue agency, indicated that rescue efforts were paused due to safety concerns but would resume the following day. The eruption was described as the largest in the volcano's history, with significant seismic activity noted prior.

Lana Saria, head of the geological agency, warned tourists to avoid the area, emphasizing the risks posed by volcanic ash and the potential for disrupted transport services.