Indonesia’s Active Volcano Mount Dukono Erupts, Three Hikers Confirmed Dead

An explosive eruption of Mount Dukono on Indonesia’s Halmahera island killed three hikers and triggered a major rescue operation on Thursday, authorities said.

Around 20 climbers had set out to ascend the 1,355-metre (4,445-foot) volcano despite warnings that the mountain is a restricted high-alert zone , North Halmahera police chief Erlichson Pasaribu said. The eruption struck at 7:41 am local time , sending a thick ash column nearly 10 kilometres high and lasting more than 16 minutes , according to Indonesia’s Geological Agency.

Three men, two Singaporean nationals and one Indonesian, died at the scene. Officials said their bodies could not be recovered immediately due to continued volcanic activity and dangerous conditions near the crater. Rescue teams were deployed after an emergency signal was received from the mountain area.

Authorities have so far evacuated 14 climbers , including seven foreign nationals , while five injured survivors are receiving treatment. Search operations are ongoing for other climbers believed to still be descending the volcano.

Officials said all hikers had entered a 4-kilometre exclusion zone around the crater, which is strictly prohibited due to risks of volcanic bombs, toxic gases, and sudden ashfall . Despite repeated warnings and on-site restrictions, authorities said some visitors continue to attempt climbs, often driven by the desire to create social media content .

Mount Dukono is one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes and has been erupting almost continuously since 1933. The country lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region prone to frequent seismic and volcanic activity, and is home to more than 120 active volcanoes .

Officials also warned of secondary hazards such as volcanic mudflows , especially during heavy rain, which could travel down river systems from the volcano.

Indonesia’s Geology Agency said activity at Dukono has increased since late March, with nearly 200 eruptions recorded and an average of about 95 eruptions per day . Friday’s blast was described as one of the strongest in recent weeks, with ash drifting northward and posing risks to nearby settlements, including Tobelo .