Indonesia: The Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) confirmed on Sunday that search and rescue operations following the eruption of Mount Dukono have officially ended after all missing victims were recovered.
Abdul Muhari, Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Centre, stated that all individuals previously reported missing have now been found, including one female Indonesian victim recovered on Sunday. With this discovery, authorities confirmed that no victims remain unaccounted for.
“The victims who were previously declared missing have now been found,” Muhari said, as reported by Antara News Agency.
The victims included two foreign nationals, identified as men aged 30 and 27. Their recovery was delayed due to volcanic material covering the affected area, complicating evacuation efforts. The remains have been transferred to Tobelo Regional Hospital for identification and further procedures.
Authorities confirmed that 15 other individuals were safely rescued, including seven Singaporean nationals and eight Indonesian citizens.
BNPB expressed concern over continued climbing activity despite the official closure of the Mount Dukono hiking route since April 17. Officials urged tour operators and the public to respect safety restrictions and ensure proper dissemination of closure information.
“We urge hiking operators and the public to help disseminate information about the route closure. Violations may result in sanctions under prevailing regulations to ensure public safety,” Muhari added.
The Geological Agency had earlier warned of heightened volcanic activity. Mount Dukono erupted at around 7:40 a.m. local time on Friday, sending a towering ash plume approximately 10 kilometers into the sky.
Authorities continue to stress compliance with safety advisories to prevent further incidents in volcanic regions.