Three climbers still missing after Mount Dukono eruption
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Three climbers, including two foreigners, are still missing after an eruption of Mount Dukono in North Maluku, Indonesia.
- The eruption occurred on Friday morning, sending an ash column up to 10 km high.
- Rescue efforts are ongoing but are hampered by continued volcanic activity.
The Indonesian island of Halmahera is once again the scene of a volcanic emergency as Mount Dukono erupted violently on Friday morning. The eruption, which sent an ash plume soaring 10 kilometers into the sky, has tragically resulted in missing persons, with three climbers โ two foreign nationals and one Indonesian โ unaccounted for. SAR teams are engaged in a difficult search and rescue operation, complicated by the volcano's persistent activity. Survivors have reported that two of the missing climbers are presumed dead, though confirmation awaits their recovery. This incident underscores the inherent risks associated with volcanic tourism in Indonesia, a nation situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire. While the beauty of these natural landscapes draws visitors, the unpredictable nature of volcanoes like Dukono poses a constant threat. Local authorities are urging caution and emphasizing the importance of heeding safety warnings, especially when engaging with active geological sites. The ongoing efforts to locate the missing individuals highlight the dedication of Indonesia's emergency responders in challenging conditions.
According to their colleague, the condition is already deceased. However, we cannot confirm yet because they have not been evacuated.
Originally published by CNN Indonesia in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.