Three dead and twenty missing following eruption of Mount Dukono in Indonesia

On May 8, 2026, Mount Dukono on Halmahera Island in Indonesia experienced a major volcanic eruption at 07:41 local time. The eruption sent a column of ash approximately 10 kilometres into the atmosphere. Authorities confirmed three fatalities, including two foreign nationals and one resident of Ternate. Search and rescue teams are currently working to locate 20 hikers reported missing, nine of whom are citizens of Singapore. Although the area had been officially closed to visitors since April 17 due to heightened volcanic activity, the hikers were present in the restricted zone. The Indonesian volcanology agency has maintained the alert level at the third highest, warning individuals to remain at least four kilometres from the crater. While residents are cautioned regarding potential health risks from ash fall and mudflows, no flight disruptions have been reported at this time.