Mount Dukono Eruption On Halmahera Kills Three Hikers

Mount Dukono eruption on Halmahera kills three hikers

On Friday, May 8, 2026, an explosive eruption of Mount Dukono on the remote Indonesian island of Halmahera sent volcanic material high into the air. The event claimed the lives of three hikers and left five others injured. The incident occurred in a restricted zone surrounding the active volcano, a detail that underscores the risks of venturing into prohibited areas during periods of heightened volcanic activity.

Mount Dukono and its setting

Mount Dukono sits in the northern part of Halmahera, an island that forms part of Indonesia’s Maluku province. The volcano is one of many that dot the Indonesian archipelago, an area that sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire. This geological setting means that Indonesia experiences a high frequency of volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and related hazards. The country’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources maintains a network of monitoring stations that track seismic activity, gas emissions, and ground deformation around active volcanoes.

The eruption and its immediate impact

Authorities confirmed that the eruption was explosive in nature and that it took place in a region that had been designated as restricted. The Badan Geologi released a photo showing volcanic materials being expelled during the event, providing visual evidence of the eruption’s intensity. Three hikers who were present in the restricted zone were killed, while five others sustained injuries. Details of the injuries and the exact circumstances of the fatalities are not yet available.

Response and rescue efforts

Emergency teams were dispatched to the site following the eruption. The remote location of Halmahera presents logistical challenges for rescue operations, including limited road access and the need for specialized equipment to navigate volcanic terrain. Rescue personnel worked to locate the injured hikers and to provide medical assistance. The exact number of responders and the duration of the operation have not yet been disclosed.

Safety protocols around active volcanoes

In Indonesia, authorities often impose restrictions on access to areas surrounding active volcanoes. These measures are designed to protect the public from sudden eruptions, ash falls, and the potential for pyroclastic flows. Hikers who ignore these restrictions place themselves and others at significant risk. The incident on Halmahera highlights the importance of respecting official guidelines and staying informed about current volcanic activity.

Indonesia’s broader volcanic landscape

Indonesia’s volcanic activity is a defining feature of its geography. The archipelago contains more than 130 active volcanoes, many of which have erupted within the last decade. The government’s monitoring network includes seismographs, GPS stations, and gas sensors that provide real‑time data on volcanic behavior. When activity rises, authorities issue alerts and may close roads, suspend flights, or evacuate nearby communities. These protocols are part of a comprehensive

Source: apnews.com