Mount Dukono Erupts: Rescue Underway for Missing Hikers

An eruption of the active Mount Dukono on Halmahera island has resulted in the deaths of three individuals, with 20 hikers currently missing. The volcano erupted on Friday morning, ejecting a towering column of volcanic ash up to 10 kilometers into the atmosphere. Local rescue agencies, including police, have deployed dozens of personnel to search for the missing hikers, nine of whom are reportedly from Singapore. Authorities have implemented safety measures, advising residents and tourists to maintain a distance of 4 kilometers from the active Malupang Warirang crater. Warnings have been issued regarding potential volcanic ash rain, ejected rocks, and lava flows. Mount Dukono is known for its extreme activity, with nearly 200 eruptions recorded since March.