Mount Dukono escalates to second-highest alert amid relentless eruption cycle
Mount Dukono reaches second-highest alert after 200+ eruptions, escalating ashfall hazards.
Event / Disaster
Mount Dukono Eruption Indonesia
Mount Dukono volcano in Halmahera, Indonesia erupted on May 8, 2026, killing at least three hikers and leaving ten missing. The eruption produced an ash column rising approximately 10 kilometers. Among approximately 20 hikers on the mountain were nine Singaporean nationals; seven safely descended and five were injured. The hiking zone had been closed since April 17 with warnings posted, but hikers ignored precautions. Volcanic ash drifted toward populated areas including Tobelo. The hiking guide and porter were taken into police custody and may face criminal charges.
2 reported locations
Daily activity
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2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 8 May, 11:08 UTC
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What happened
Fourteen climbers evacuated from Mount Dukono eruption with five injured
Rescue teams successfully evacuated 14 climbers from Mount Dukono following the volcanic eruption, including seven foreign nationals. Five of the evacuated climbers were reported injured. Rescue teams continued searching for additional climbers believed to be attempting to descend the volcano. Bodies of the deceased could not be recovered immediately due to continued eruptions and dangerous conditions.
Authorities warn of ashfall affecting nearby settlements including Tobelo town
Indonesian geological authorities warned that ashfall from Mount Dukono could affect nearby settlements, including the town of Tobelo. The ashfall poses health risks and could disrupt transportation and daily life in affected areas. Ash clouds ranging from white to gray and black in color were being blown northward. Authorities also warned of possible secondary hazards including volcanic mudflows, particularly during heavy rain.
Hikers ignored warnings and restricted zone status to climb Mount Dukono
About 20 climbers ascended Mount Dukono on Thursday despite awareness that climbing was prohibited due to the mountain's high alert status and designation as a restricted zone. Officials noted that despite warnings on social media and signs at the site, many people remain determined to climb the volcano, driven by the desire to create online content. The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation has long banned activities within a 4-kilometer radius of Dukono's crater due to hazards including volcanic bombs, ashfall, and toxic gases.
Mount Dukono erupts explosively, killing three hikers on Halmahera island
Mount Dukono on the island of Halmahera in Indonesia erupted explosively at 7:41 a.m. local time, killing three hikers. The eruption spewed a thick ash column that rose approximately 10 kilometers above the summit and was recorded on seismographs for more than 16 minutes. Three men—two Singaporean nationals and one Indonesian national—died at the scene. About 20 climbers had ascended the 1,355-meter volcano despite safety restrictions and warning signs.
Mount Dukono at second-highest alert level with 200 eruptions since late March
Mount Dukono remained at the second highest alert level following the Friday eruption. The volcano has shown a significant increase in explosive magmatic eruptions since late March, with nearly 200 eruptions recorded since March 30 and an average of approximately 95 eruptions per day. The Friday eruption was described as among the strongest during this period. Mount Dukono is one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes and has been erupting almost continuously since 1933.
Mount Dukono volcano erupts in Indonesia killing at least three hikers
Mount Dukono volcano on Halmahera island in North Sulawesi province erupted on Friday morning, May 8, 2026. The eruption produced a loud rumbling sound and a thick column of smoke that rose approximately 10 kilometers above the volcano's summit. At least three hikers were killed in the eruption: two foreign nationals and one resident of Ternate island. The volcano is one of Indonesia's most active and is located in the Ring of Fire, a region of frequent seismic and volcanic activity.
Volcanic ash from Mount Dukono eruption poses health and transport risks
The eruption of Mount Dukono produced a column of volcanic ash and smoke that rose approximately 10 kilometers. Ash was drifting northward toward residential areas and the city of Tobelo. Indonesian geology officials warned that the volcanic smoke could pose health hazards to the public and potentially disrupt transportation services in affected areas. The volcano was at alert level 3 on a scale of 4 at the time of the eruption.
Ten hikers missing after Mount Dukono eruption in Indonesia
Following the eruption of Mount Dukono on May 8, 2026, ten hikers remain missing in the volcanic zone. Among the approximately 20 hikers on the mountain at the time of the eruption were nine Singaporean nationals and other Indonesian climbers. Seven hikers successfully descended safely, and five others sustained minor injuries during the eruption. Rescue operations continued as volcanic activity persisted, with teams from regional disaster management agencies conducting search and evacuation operations in difficult mountain terrain.
Mount Dukono volcano zone was closed to visitors before eruption
The hiking area around Mount Dukono had been closed to visitors since April 17, 2026, due to increased volcanic activity. Indonesian volcanologists had observed rising activity levels and recommended that tourists and climbers stay at least 4 kilometers away from the Malupang Warirang crater. Warning signs were posted at trail entrances and announcements were made on social media. Despite these precautions, the approximately 20 hikers who were on the mountain when the eruption occurred had ignored the warnings. Local police noted that many of the hikers were foreign tourists seeking to create social media content.
Indonesian police consider criminal charges against hiking guides
Following the Mount Dukono eruption on May 8, 2026, the hiking guide and a porter who led the hikers into the restricted volcanic zone were taken into police custody. Local police indicated they could face criminal prosecution for taking hikers into an area that was off-limits to visitors due to volcanic hazard warnings.
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2 alternative perspectives
Indonesian authorities investigate hiking guides over volcano tragedy response
Police investigate hiking guides for potential criminal liability in Mount Dukono eruption response.
Mount Dukono eruption kills three, ten missing hikers on Halmahera
Mount Dukono eruption kills three hikers, ten missing; ash threatens nearby communities.