Two Singaporean nationals who had been missing for several days were found dead on Sunday after the eruption of Mount Dukono on the Indonesian island of Halmahera, local rescue authorities announced.
According to the head of the local rescue agency, Iwan Ramdani, the bodies were discovered near the volcano's crater, and an evacuation operation was still underway on Sunday. However, rescue efforts are facing significant challenges due to persistent eruptions and adverse weather conditions in the region.
"The recovery of bodies is still hampered by the ongoing eruptions and the bad weather," the official told Reuters, adding that heavy rains were also complicating operations on the ground.
Approximately 150 rescuers, supported by two thermal drones, were mobilized to conduct the search. The teams focused on an area located between 100 and 150 meters from the crater rim, where the victims had last been seen.
Mount Dukono, located in the North Maluku province on the Pacific coast, erupted on Friday. The volcano spewed a massive plume of ash up to 10 kilometers into the air, triggering a widespread alert in the region. Volcanic activity continues, although at a reduced intensity, according to authorities.
Rescuers reported that the area around the crater remained covered in thick volcanic ash, making movement extremely dangerous. The area where the victims were found is approximately 1,25 kilometers from where they were last located.
Indonesia lies on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," a region marked by intense seismic and volcanic activity. The country has more than 120 active volcanoes and regularly experiences deadly eruptions.
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