Authorities intend to evacuate 2 S'poreans from Mount Dukono on May 10, as 7 others return to S'pore

Key Concepts

• Mount Dukono: An active volcano in Indonesia known for frequent, hourly eruptions.
• Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations: Multi-agency efforts involving military and police personnel.
• Alert Level III: The current volcanological status of Mount Dukono, indicating high activity.
• Negligence Investigation: Legal inquiry into tour operators regarding unauthorized access to restricted zones.
• Distress Signaling: Use of satellite communication devices (e.g., Garmin) for emergency location.

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Incident Overview and Rescue Operations

A search and rescue operation is currently underway at Mount Dukono, Indonesia, following a volcanic eruption on Friday. Out of a group of 20 hikers present on the slope, 17 have been successfully evacuated (10 Indonesians and 7 Singaporeans). One Indonesian hiker has been confirmed deceased, and their body has been recovered. Two Singaporean hikers remain on the mountain, located approximately 20 to 30 meters from the main crater rim.

The rescue mission involves approximately 100 personnel from the Indonesian military and police. Operations are significantly hampered by the extreme terrain and the volcano's persistent activity, which produces loud booms and eruptions on an hourly basis. Due to these hazardous conditions, the rescue mission was paused for the night on its second day.

Regulatory and Safety Context

The local government has officially prohibited climbing to the summit of Mount Dukono since 2024 due to the high frequency of eruptions. Despite this, the group of 20 hikers was present on the slope, leading Indonesian police to launch an investigation into potential negligence by the tour company that facilitated the trip. The Volcanology Agency continues to maintain the volcano at the third-highest alert level, underscoring the extreme danger of the area.

Methodology of Location and Recovery

The search teams utilized specific technologies and strategies to locate the missing individuals:

• Satellite Communication: The first Singaporean hiker was located after transmitting a distress signal via a Garmin device.
• Aerial Surveillance: The second Singaporean hiker was identified through the use of drones, which allowed rescuers to scan the proximity of the crater rim without immediate physical exposure.
• Evidence Collection: Rescuers have recovered personal items, such as backpacks, from the site to assist in the identification and evacuation process.

Logistics and Future Steps

The evacuation of the two remaining Singaporean hikers is planned for the following day, contingent upon weather conditions and the intensity of volcanic activity. Regarding the 17 survivors, they are scheduled to depart from Ternate—a four-hour drive from the town of Tobelo—on Sunday at 6:00 AM, with a final destination of Jakarta.

Conclusion

The situation at Mount Dukono remains critical, characterized by constant volcanic activity and difficult rescue conditions. While the majority of the hiking group has been accounted for, the recovery of the remaining two hikers is the primary focus of the ongoing mission. The incident highlights the severe risks associated with ignoring official climbing prohibitions in active volcanic zones and has triggered a formal investigation into the accountability of tour operators in high-risk environments.