Mount Dukono in North Halmahera erupted on Friday (May 8), resulting in a tragic incident that left several hikers injured and others dead. Authorities have since launched an extensive rescue and evacuation operation to locate those affected by the volcanic activity.
BNPB Reports Five Hikers Injured in Mount Dukono Eruption
Abdul Muhari, Head of the Data, Information, and Communication Center for Disasters at the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), confirmed that the eruption occurred at 07:41 WIT (Eastern Indonesian Time). According to early reports, at least five hikers sustained injuries. “At least five hikers have been reported injured and are currently being processed by officers in the field,” Muhari stated.
Joint teams from the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) and the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) remain on the ground to coordinate recovery efforts. Observational data indicates that the eruption produced a thick column of white, gray, and black ash reaching heights of approximately 10,000 meters. The event was accompanied by audible low-to-high intensity rumbling, and seismographic readings recorded a maximum amplitude of 34 mm with a duration of 967.56 seconds.
Mount Dukono Eruption: 20 Hikers Trapped, Including Singaporean Nationals
The situation became critical following reports that 20 hikers were trapped on the volcano shortly after the eruption began. “We have deployed dozens of personnel, including police officers, to locate the 20 individuals trapped by the eruption,” said Ternate Search and Rescue (SAR) Office Head, Iwan Ramdani.
The rescue mission was initiated after the Basarnas Command Center (BBC) detected an SOS emergency signal from a Garmin device at coordinates 1°42’13.7″N 127°52’50.2″E. In response to the emergency, the Head of Mamuya Village formally requested urgent SAR assistance to facilitate the evacuation of the victims.
Update: 15 Hikers Rescued, 3 Confirmed Deceased
As search operations progressed, authorities confirmed that 15 hikers managed to descend the mountain safely. North Halmahera Police Chief, AKBP Erlichson Pasaribu, provided a somber update to kumparan on Friday, stating, “A total of 15 hikers have returned safely, along with two porters. Unfortunately, three hikers who remained on the mountain have been confirmed dead.”
The 15 survivors are currently receiving medical attention at the observation post from the local Health Office. Officials noted that the rescued individuals are primarily suffering from minor injuries as they recover from the ordeal.
Summary
Mount Dukono in North Halmahera erupted on Friday, May 8, at 07:41 WIT, producing a massive ash column reaching 10,000 meters. The volcanic activity trapped 20 hikers on the mountain, prompting an immediate emergency response from the BNPB, Basarnas, and local police after an SOS signal was detected. Rescue teams utilized seismographic data and field coordinates to coordinate the recovery operation during the eruption.
Authorities successfully rescued 15 hikers who managed to descend safely and are currently receiving medical treatment for minor injuries. Tragically, the incident resulted in the deaths of three hikers who were unable to escape the mountain. Joint rescue teams remain active in the area to ensure the safety of all individuals involved in the incident.