Ongoing rescue operations take place despite volcanic ash and warnings, although the two hikers are believed to be deceased.
The hunt for two missing Singaporean hikers after avolcanic eruptionMount Dukono’s operations were still affected by ongoing eruptions and poor weather on Sunday, according to an Indonesian official, although they were believed to be deceased.
Approximately 150 staff members, accompanied by two thermal drones, have been sent out since Sunday morning, according to Iwan Ramdani, head of the local rescue organization, with the main area of investigation located 100-150 meters (492 feet) from the edge of the crater.
“Nevertheless, Mount Dukono remains active with eruptions ongoing, and precipitation is also occurring in the region. We conduct rescue operations during periods when there are no eruptions,” Iwan stated.
Mount Dukono, situated in the North Maluku province near the Pacific Ocean, started erupting on Friday, sending ash up to 10km (6 miles). It has maintained a smaller level of activity since then.
The region near the crater remained covered in volcanic ash, Iwan mentioned, noting that the search operation is focused on an area approximately 1.25km from where the victims were last seen.
Rescuers have discovered backpacks believed to belong to the two Singaporeans. Survivors informed the police that they were deceased, according to police chief Erlichson Pasaribu.
Officials confirmed on Saturday that an Indonesian trekker who had gone missing earlier was found deceased.
Seventeen individuals, among them seven Singaporeans and ten Indonesians, emerged from the event unharmed.
The Singaporean team will return home on Sunday, according to a statement from Singapore’s foreign ministry.
IndonesiaThe country’s volcanology agency stated on Sunday morning that there were at least three eruptions, with the tallest one releasing 1.3km of volcanic ash, according to a press release.
The organization continues to keep the third-highest warning level active for Mount Dukono and prohibits all activities within 4km of the volcanic vent.
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