Two Singaporean nationals who had been missing for several days were confirmed dead on Sunday due to the volcano eruption of Mount Dukono on Halmahera island in Indonesia, according to the local rescue agency.
Rescue teams discovered the bodies near the crater’s edge, and the process of evacuation was initiated, as reported by agency head Iwan Ramdani to Reuters.
“The evacuation of the bodies is still being hindered by ongoing eruptions and adverse weather conditions,” Iwan stated, noting that rain was currently falling in the nearby area.
Nearly 150 personnel, along with two thermal drones, have been deployed since Sunday morning, Iwan mentioned, with the search concentrated around 100-150 meters (350-500 feet) from the crater’s rim.
Mount Dukono of Indonesia, located in North Maluku province adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, began its eruption on Friday, releasing ash clouds that reached heights of 10 km (6 miles). The eruptions have persisted, albeit at a reduced intensity.
The area surrounding the crater remains covered in volcanic ash, Iwan added, indicating that the search zone is nearly 1.25 km (0.8 mile) from the last known position of the victims.
Rescue teams have located backpacks believed to belong to the two Singaporeans, and authorities confirmed on Saturday that one Indonesian hiker, who had also been reported missing, was dead.
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