Two Singaporean nationals have been confirmed dead following the eruption of Mount Dukono on Indonesia's remote Halmahera island on Friday. The bodies of Heng Wen Qiang Timothy, 30, and Shahin Muhrez bin Abdul Hamid, 27, were discovered near the crater rim on Sunday, according to local rescue agency head Iwan Ramdani. An Indonesian woman was found dead a day earlier.
Evacuation Efforts Hampered
Efforts to evacuate the bodies have been hindered by continuous eruptions and adverse weather conditions. The volcano remains highly active, spewing ash and lava, which has made access to the area extremely dangerous for rescue teams.
Climbers Defied Safety Restrictions
Approximately 20 climbers had ascended the nearly 1,355-meter volcano on Thursday, ignoring safety restrictions and the mountain's high alert status. Authorities had prohibited activities within a 4-kilometer danger zone due to the elevated risk of eruptions. Seventeen climbers were safely evacuated, with five sustaining injuries. Local guides are currently under investigation for alleged negligence in leading hikers close to the crater despite clear warnings.
Mount Dukono's Volcanic Activity
Mount Dukono is one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, having erupted almost continuously since 1933. It is currently at the second-highest alert level, with authorities warning of ongoing explosive magmatic eruptions. The volcano's persistent activity poses a constant threat to nearby communities and visitors.
The tragic incident highlights the dangers of disregarding safety protocols in volcanic regions. Authorities urge the public to adhere to official warnings and avoid entering restricted zones around active volcanoes.
