20 hikers missing after Mount Dukono volcano eruption in Indonesia

Rescue teams in Indonesia are searching for 20 hikers, including nine from Singapore, after Mount Dukono on Halmahera Island erupted early Friday, sending a massive ash and smoke plume nearly 10 kilometres into the sky.

According to local rescue officials, the group was reported missing shortly after the eruption, which occurred despite the area being officially closed to visitors since April 17 due to increased volcanic activity warnings.

Rescue official Iwan Ramdani said emergency teams had been deployed to the area but confirmed that it was still unclear whether any of the missing hikers had been injured. He said all 20 individuals were believed to be part of hiking groups in the volcanic region.

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The eruption of Mount Dukono, located in North Maluku province, was accompanied by a loud booming sound and a dense column of ash rising from the crater, according to Indonesia’s Geological Agency. Officials warned that the ash cloud was drifting northward and could affect nearby communities, including Tobelo City, potentially causing hazardous volcanic ash fall.

Authorities have urged residents in surrounding areas to remain alert, as the ash cloud could pose health risks and disrupt air and ground transportation.

Mount Dukono is currently placed on the third-highest alert level in Indonesia’s volcanic warning system. The country lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” making it highly prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to active tectonic plate movements.

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation had previously advised tourists and climbers to stay at least four kilometres away from the Malupang Warirang Crater due to ongoing volcanic instability.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing as authorities race against time to locate the missing hikers in the hazardous terrain surrounding the volcano.