Indonesia volcano eruption kills 3 hikers, 10 missing on Dukono

According to reports from Indonesian authorities including the National Disaster Management Agency and local police, an eruption of Mount Dukono on Halmahera Island killed three hikers and left ten others missing, while rescue teams continue search operations in difficult terrain.

Police officials said the victims included two foreign nationals and one Indonesian resident from Ternate. Seven hikers were safely evacuated, while five others were reported injured following the eruption.

The volcano released thick ash reaching around 10 kms into the sky, accompanied by rumbling sounds and widespread ash dispersal toward northern areas.

Authorities warned that nearby communities, including Tobelo City, could be affected by volcanic ash fall, which may pose health risks and disrupt transport services.

Rescue teams from the Regional Disaster Management Agency and the National Search and Rescue Agency are conducting evacuations, but operations are being slowed due to unstable terrain and ongoing volcanic activity. 

Officials said parts of the route are accessible only by vehicle, with the remaining distance requiring manual stretcher transport.

Authorities noted that the area had been declared off-limits to visitors since last month due to increased volcanic activity, with a 4-kilometre exclusion zone around the crater.

Officials said initial information suggests some hikers ignored warnings and entered restricted zones, despite advisories at trail entrances.

Authorities said search and rescue operations are ongoing and updates will be provided as conditions allow. Officials urged climbers and tourists to strictly follow exclusion zones and heed volcanic warnings for safety.