Volcanic Eruption on Indonesian Island Halmahera Results in Fatalities and Injuries
Three hikers killed and five injured by Mount Dukono's eruption, defying safety restrictions.
JAKARTA: An explosive volcanic eruption on the remote Indonesian island of Halmahera resulted in the deaths of three hikers and injuries to five others who were climbing within a restricted zone around the active volcano.
The incident occurred on Mount Dukono, which has been one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes since 1933.
About 20 climbers ignored safety restrictions and attempted to ascend the nearly 1,355-meter (4,445-foot) volcano on Thursday.
They became stranded when Mount Dukono erupted at 7:41 a.m. local time, releasing an ash column that rose approximately 10 kilometers above the summit.
The eruption was recorded for over 16 minutes by Indonesia's Geological Agency.
North Halmahera police chief Erlichson Pasaribu stated that despite warnings, the climbers insisted on proceeding into the prohibited zone.
Two Singaporean men and one Indonesian woman tragically lost their lives at the scene during the eruption.
As of Friday afternoon, rescue teams had successfully evacuated 17 climbers, including seven Singaporean nationals, two Indonesians who assisted in the search efforts, and five injured individuals.
Ongoing volcanic activity has placed Mount Dukono at the second highest alert level, with an average of about 95 eruptions daily since late March.
The eruption on Friday was among the strongest during this period.
Authorities have warned residents and tourists against entering restricted areas near the volcano to avoid health risks and potential disruptions to transportation and daily life.
The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation has long prohibited activities within a 4-kilometer radius of Dukono's crater due to hazards such as volcanic explosions, ashfall, and toxic gases.
The search and rescue operation was temporarily halted on Friday due to darkness but is set to resume early Saturday.
Indonesia sits along the Pacific 'Ring of Fire,' an area known for intense seismic and volcanic activity, with more than 120 active volcanoes present in the country.
The incident occurred on Mount Dukono, which has been one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes since 1933.
About 20 climbers ignored safety restrictions and attempted to ascend the nearly 1,355-meter (4,445-foot) volcano on Thursday.
They became stranded when Mount Dukono erupted at 7:41 a.m. local time, releasing an ash column that rose approximately 10 kilometers above the summit.
The eruption was recorded for over 16 minutes by Indonesia's Geological Agency.
North Halmahera police chief Erlichson Pasaribu stated that despite warnings, the climbers insisted on proceeding into the prohibited zone.
Two Singaporean men and one Indonesian woman tragically lost their lives at the scene during the eruption.
As of Friday afternoon, rescue teams had successfully evacuated 17 climbers, including seven Singaporean nationals, two Indonesians who assisted in the search efforts, and five injured individuals.
Ongoing volcanic activity has placed Mount Dukono at the second highest alert level, with an average of about 95 eruptions daily since late March.
The eruption on Friday was among the strongest during this period.
Authorities have warned residents and tourists against entering restricted areas near the volcano to avoid health risks and potential disruptions to transportation and daily life.
The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation has long prohibited activities within a 4-kilometer radius of Dukono's crater due to hazards such as volcanic explosions, ashfall, and toxic gases.
The search and rescue operation was temporarily halted on Friday due to darkness but is set to resume early Saturday.
Indonesia sits along the Pacific 'Ring of Fire,' an area known for intense seismic and volcanic activity, with more than 120 active volcanoes present in the country.
