Mount Dukono Eruption in Indonesia Kills Tourists and Traps Hikers During Ongoing Rescue Mission

A deadly Mount Dukono eruption in Indonesia’s North Maluku province has triggered a major rescue mission after multiple hikers became trapped near the active volcano. The sudden volcanic eruption sent massive ash clouds, toxic gases, and dangerous volcanic ejecta into the sky, creating panic among tourists and rescue teams around the mountain.

According to early reports, at least three people were killed while around 20 hikers were caught near the crater area during the eruption on May 8, 2026. Emergency response teams continue search and evacuation operations as authorities monitor volcanic activity around Mount Dukono.

Mount Dukono Eruption Sends Ash Clouds 10 Kilometers Into the Sky

The Mount Dukono volcano eruption reportedly began early Friday morning and quickly intensified, releasing thick ash plumes that rose nearly 10 kilometers into the atmosphere. Volcanic debris and smoke covered nearby regions, reducing visibility and creating dangerous conditions for people near the mountain.

Experts say explosive volcanic eruptions like this can become deadly within minutes due to fast-moving ash emissions, falling rocks, and toxic gases surrounding active craters.

The eruption also disrupted rescue efforts, forcing emergency responders to navigate ash-covered terrain and unstable volcanic conditions while searching for stranded hikers.

Hikers Trapped Near Mount Dukono During Eruption

Authorities confirmed that several hikers were on the volcano despite earlier warnings and restricted access zones around Mount Dukono. Reports suggest that tourists and local hikers were trekking near the mountain when the eruption suddenly intensified.

Search and rescue teams continue efforts to locate missing individuals while evacuating survivors from dangerous areas surrounding the volcano.

Officials have urged residents and tourists to avoid all restricted volcanic zones as additional eruptions remain possible.

Mount Dukono Is One of Indonesia’s Most Active Volcanoes

Mount Dukono, located on Halmahera Island in North Maluku, is considered one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia. The volcano has reportedly been erupting almost continuously since 1933 and frequently produces ash clouds, volcanic explosions, and lava activity.

In 2024 alone, Mount Dukono reportedly erupted hundreds of times in a single day, highlighting the extreme geological activity in the region.

Indonesia sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area known for intense seismic and volcanic activity. Because of this, volcanic eruptions remain a major natural hazard across the country.

Authorities Had Already Issued Warnings Before the Eruption

Scientists and volcanic monitoring agencies had reportedly detected increased activity at Mount Dukono weeks before the deadly eruption. Authorities restricted trekking access to the area beginning April 17 after seismic activity around the volcano intensified.

Despite the restrictions, hikers were still present near the volcano when the eruption occurred.

The latest Mount Dukono eruption has renewed concerns about volcano tourism safety and the risks associated with visiting active volcanic regions.

Rescue Mission Continues at Mount Dukono

Emergency teams remain on-site as rescue operations continue around Mount Dukono. Helicopters, emergency crews, and volcanic response units are reportedly assisting in evacuation and recovery efforts.

Authorities continue monitoring the volcano closely and warn that conditions remain highly unstable near the crater area.

Tourists and residents are advised to stay away from restricted zones until volcanic activity decreases and officials declare the area safe again.
Also Read : Travel Alert: Bali Flights Back to Normal After Volcano Eruption

Conclusion

The Mount Dukono eruption serves as another reminder of the unpredictable and destructive power of active volcanoes in Indonesia. While Mount Dukono has remained active for decades, the latest eruption highlights how quickly volcanic conditions can turn deadly for hikers and tourists near restricted zones.

As rescue operations continue, authorities are focusing on locating missing hikers, protecting nearby communities, and monitoring further volcanic activity. Experts continue urging travelers and local residents to follow official safety warnings and avoid high-risk areas around active volcanoes.