A search operation for three missing hikers, including two Singaporeans, resumed on the morning of May 9, a day after a powerful eruption on Mount Dukono in Indonesia.
The volcano erupted on May 8, sending ash about 10km into the sky and trapping a group of hikers who had reportedly entered a restricted zone despite a climbing ban.
The Indonesian authorities said at least 17 people were evacuated, while rescue efforts have been hampered by continuing eruptions and poor visibility.
Here is what you need to know about Mount Dukono:
One of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes
Located on the remote island of Halmahera in Indonesia’s eastern province of North Maluku, Mount Dukono has been erupting almost continuously since 1933, making it one of the country’s most consistently active volcanoes, according to Oregon State University’s Volcano World.
Ash emissions and smaller eruptions occur frequently because the volcano is part of the seismically active Pacific “Ring of Fire”. Since March 2026 alone, the authorities have recorded nearly 200 smaller eruptions, Reuters reported.
Authorities banned climbing in April
Last month, the local authorities imposed a climbing ban after increased volcanic activity, and volcanologists warned people to stay at least 4km away from the Malupang Warirang crater, which is the centre of the volcanic activity, Al Jazeera reported.
Mount Dukono has reportedly been closed since April 17, according to Halmaheranesia.com, an Indonesian media outlet.
Despite repeated warnings and a ban, it continued to attract hikers and adventure tourists seeking close-up views of volcanic activity, according to reports by Reuters and AP.
May 8 eruption sent ash 10km into the sky
Indonesia’s volcanology agency said the May 8 eruption produced a massive ash column which rose about 10km high at 7.41am, with explosions reportedly lasting more than 16 minutes.
Witnesses heard a loud noise before thick ash flowed to surrounding areas.
Volcano remains under high alert level
Indonesia’s volcanology agency has maintained an elevated Level 2 alert since 2008 for Mount Dukono.
It has also warned of ashfall, lava material and sudden eruptions that could endanger nearby communities and climbers.
The level is the second-lowest in the four-tier warning system.
Search and rescue operations dangerous
Rescue teams have had to halt operations several times because of warnings of continued eruptions and poor visibility.
Volcanic material known as tephra could also be ejected from the crater area, according to geology expert Karla Panchuk.
Drones and over 100 personnel have also been deployed in the ongoing search and rescue operation.
