Indonesian rescuers find 1 body after volcano eruption as search continues for 2 more

Mount Dukono Eruption: Indonesian Woman Found Dead, Search for Singaporeans Continues

Rescuers in Indonesia have recovered the body of an Indonesian woman who was caught in a volcanic eruption at Mount Dukono on the remote island of Halmahera. The incident occurred when a group of 20 hikers defied safety restrictions and became stranded after the volcano erupted, spewing ash up to 10 kilometers into the air.

The woman, identified as Enjel, was a local hiker and was found about 50 meters from the main crater. However, the bodies of two Singaporean climbers are still missing. Rescue operations are ongoing, despite the high volcanic activity in the area.

The rescue efforts have been challenging due to the unpredictable nature of the volcano. Seventeen climbers have been safely evacuated, including seven Singaporean nationals and two Indonesians who provided valuable information about the victims’ climbing routes before the eruption. Unfortunately, ten of those evacuated suffered minor burn injuries.

Over 100 personnel, supported by drones, have resumed the search operation in a 700 square-meter area where clues were previously found. The hazardous terrain and ongoing eruptions have made the search difficult, but rescuers are prioritizing safety as Dukono’s volcanic activity remains elevated.

Indonesia’s volcanology agency reported multiple eruptions on Saturday, with ash columns rising as high as 3,000 meters above the crater. Lava bursts were also observed overnight near the volcano, which has been on the second-highest alert level since 2008.

Authorities have enforced a four-kilometer exclusion zone around the active crater and have closed all hiking routes to Mount Dukono. The National Disaster Management Agency has warned of legal sanctions for entering restricted zones and urged climbers to comply with safety recommendations.

Indonesia, known for its more than 120 active volcanoes, is prone to volcanic eruptions due to its location along the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” As the search for the missing Singaporean climbers continues, authorities are emphasizing the importance of safety in hiking and exploring active volcanic areas.