JAKARTA: An eruption of Mount Dukono on Indonesia’s Halmahera Island killed three hikers and left 10 others missing on Friday (May 8) after the volcano sent ash and smoke nearly 10 kilometers into the air.

Rescue teams, backed by police, were deployed to search for stranded trekkers in the remote volcanic region of North Maluku province.

Authorities said the hikers had entered the restricted area despite warnings and an ongoing closure imposed since April due to rising volcanic activity.

Mount Dukono, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, has remained in near-continuous eruption since 1933.

Officials warned that thick ash and sulfur emissions could threaten public health and disrupt transportation, though no flight cancellations had been reported by Friday evening.