Jakarta: Indonesia has resumed its search operation for three missing climbers after the Dugono volcano on Halmahera island erupted. The head of local rescue operations revealed today that at least 100 rescue workers, soldiers, and police officers, along with two thermal imaging drones, have been mobilized to search for two Singaporeans and one Indonesian national who remain missing. Meanwhile, the local police chief stated that survivors have informed authorities that three people died in Friday's volcanic eruption, including two Singaporeans. However, rescue efforts have not yet confirmed the death toll.
According to Thai News Agency, the Indonesian Meteorology and Geophysics Agency said the volcano in North Maluku province began erupting last Friday, spewing ash up to 10 kilometers into the sky. The search on Saturday focused on the area around the volcano's crater within a radius of approximately 700 meters, after authorities evacuated 17 people on Friday, including seven Singaporeans and ten Indonesians. Rescue operations were suspended Friday evening due to continued volcanic eruption, and Saturday's operations were hampered by at least four more eruptions in the morning.
Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy in Jakarta stated that they are coordinating with Indonesian authorities to gather information, provide consular assistance, and support affected Singaporean families. Meanwhile, the head of the Geological Survey stated that the Doukono volcano remains at level 3 on the watch list, warning residents and tourists to avoid activities within a 4-kilometer radius of the crater. However, there have been no reports of flight disruptions from this eruption.