Volcano Eruption on Mount Dukono in Indonesia Leaves 20 Climbers Missing

A volcanic eruption at Mount Dukono on the island of East Halmahera in Indonesia has resulted in 20 climbers going missing. Among those missing are nine citizens from Singapore. The eruption has released smoke over an area approximately 10 kilometers around the volcano. Rescue officials informed AFP that nine of the missing individuals are Singaporean nationals.

Authorities have deployed rescue teams to conduct search and rescue operations, though no updates have been confirmed yet regarding any injured persons. Local rescue official Ivan Ramdani confirmed the ongoing search for the 20 missing individuals based on reports received. Following warnings by scientists about increased volcanic activity in Indonesia recently, the area has been closed to visitors since April 17.

Lana Saria, head of Indonesia’s Geological Agency, confirmed the eruption’s impact reached approximately 10 kilometers from the summit of Mount Dukono in North Maluku province. The ash from the eruption spread mostly northward, prompting authorities to advise heightened vigilance in residential areas in that direction. Indonesia, as a large archipelagic nation, frequently experiences seismic and volcanic activity due to its geological location.