Indonesia: 20 Missing After Mount Dukono Eruption in Eastern Halmahera

Indonesia: 20 Missing After Mount Dukono Eruption in Eastern Halmahera
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At least 20 people are reported missing following the eruption of Mount Dukono on Friday, when a dense cloud of smoke and volcanic ash shot up to 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) into the sky, authorities said.

Rescue officials confirmed that search operations are ongoing for the missing individuals, but no injuries have yet been confirmed, as teams face difficult access to the area affected by the eruption.

A local official from Indonesia’s Search and Rescue Agency said emergency responders, supported by police units, were deployed to the scene to search for climbers believed to have been near the volcano at the time of the eruption. Among the missing are nine people from Singapore, while the remainder are believed to be Indonesian nationals.

Indonesian authorities have kept the volcano alert at the third highest level and warned residents not to approach within 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) of the crater due to the risk of further explosions and volcanic mudflows, particularly if rains occur.

So far, there have been no reported disruptions to air traffic, and rescue teams continue operations under challenging conditions amid concerns about ongoing volcanic activity in the area.