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๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ Indonesia /Disasters & Emergencies

Mount Dukono Eruption: Victim Found, Search Continues Amidst Difficult Conditions

From Tempo · (14m ago) Indonesian Critical tone

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A joint search and rescue team found the body of a victim of Mount Dukono's eruption near the crater's edge on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
  • The search was hampered by thick volcanic sand and heavy rain, with the victim only partially visible upon discovery.
  • Two other potential victim locations were identified, and the search was set to resume on Sunday, May 10, 2026, following the evacuation of the first victim.

The ongoing volcanic activity of Mount Dukono in North Halmahera has once again underscored the volatile nature of our environment and the inherent risks faced by those who venture near its caldera. The discovery of a victim near the crater's edge, following Saturday's eruption, is a somber reminder of the power of nature. Our dedicated search and rescue teams faced considerable challenges, battling not only the treacherous volcanic sand that blanketed the area but also severe weather conditions. The partial visibility of the victim due to the ashfall highlights the extreme conditions under which these brave individuals operate. While the recovery of the first victim is a critical step, the identification of two further deposition points suggests the search for other missing individuals must continue with urgency. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and local disaster management bodies are coordinating efforts, prioritizing the safety of the rescue personnel while striving to bring closure to the families affected by this tragic event. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for constant vigilance and preparedness in regions prone to such natural phenomena.

This condition was influenced by the fluctuating volcanic activity of Mount Dukono, making it difficult for the team to conduct a search

โ€” Abdul MuhariAbdul Muhari, Head of the Data, Information, and Public Relations Center of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), explained the difficulties faced during the search operation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.