Indonesian authorities have initiated an urgent rescue operation for at least 20 hikers, including several foreign nationals, who are stranded following a volcanic eruption on Mount Dukono. The volcano, situated on Halmahera Island, erupted at 7.41am on Friday, ejecting volcanic ash up to 10 kilometres above its crater.
Stranded Hikers and Foreign Nationals
Among the trapped hikers, at least nine are believed to be Singaporean citizens. The rescue mission is focused on reaching these individuals as quickly as possible, given the ongoing volcanic activity.
Evacuation Warnings and Alert Level
Officials have issued a warning for residents and tourists to evacuate and avoid an area within a 4-kilometre radius of the crater due to ongoing risks. The alert status for Mount Dukono remains at its third-highest level, indicating significant potential for further eruptions.
Despite the eruption, there have been no immediate reports of flight disruptions caused by the ash cloud. However, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
The rescue operation involves multiple agencies coordinating efforts to ensure the safety of all stranded individuals. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.
