Singaporean Tourists Unaccounted For Following Mount Dukono Eruption

Post by : Shakul

Two tourists from Singapore have gone missing following the eruption of Mount Dukono in Indonesia’s North Maluku province on Friday morning, sparking a large-scale search and rescue operation. Indonesian disaster authorities confirmed the volcanic event occurred around 7:41 a.m. local time, sending a substantial ash plume nearly 10 kilometers into the atmosphere. The eruption incited panic among both hikers and local residents in proximity to the volcano.

According to Indonesia’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation, the eruption emitted a significant ash plume that varied in color from white and grey to dark black, drifting northward from the crater. Officials reported heightened rumbling sounds during the eruption. Seismic monitoring systems also noted volcanic tremors, with intense activity persisting for over 16 minutes, signaling substantial volcanic pressure beneath the surface.

Abdul Muhari, spokesperson for Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency, indicated that a total of 20 hikers were on the volcano at the time, including nine Singaporean tourists. Despite mostly successful evacuations, two individuals remain unaccounted for as rescue teams navigate challenging terrain and unstable volcanic conditions.

Rescue operations were swiftly initiated in North Halmahera Regency as officials received word about the missing tourists. Authorities have deployed drones and aerial monitoring to scour the rugged area for signs of the lost hikers. Rescue teams are contending with poor visibility, volcanic ash dispersal, and hazardous environmental conditions.

Mount Dukono is recognized as one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes and frequently erupts. Situated on Halmahera Island in North Maluku, it remains under constant observation by geological authorities. Indonesia lies along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for significant volcanic and seismic activity, leading to frequent eruptions throughout the nation.

With volcanic activity ongoing, officials are strongly advising residents and visitors to avoid the danger zones surrounding the volcano. Authorities are also monitoring air quality and potential impacts on adjacent communities caused by ash fallout and changing weather patterns. Emergency teams remain vigilant as specialists assess the volcano’s activity levels following the event.

The situation has garnered international attention due to the involvement of foreign tourists and the magnitude of the eruption. Families of the missing individuals are reportedly coordinating with Singaporean authorities while search teams persist in their efforts within the affected region. Indonesian disaster officials have confirmed operations will continue until all missing persons are found and the area is deemed secure.