Indonesian rescue teams have located two Singaporeans who went missing after Mount Dukono erupted on Friday (8 May) on the island of Halmahera, though authorities say it remains unclear whether they are alive.

Officials said the pair were identified near the rim of the volcano’s main crater using drone surveillance and witness accounts after the eruption, which sent ash as high as 10 km into the sky.

“We have identified the coordinates of their locations. It’s around the crater rim,” said Iwan Ramdani, adding they were found around 20 to 30 metres from the crater edge.

At least 100 rescuers, military and police personnel have been deployed, with operations focused around a 700-metre area near the crater. Thermal drones are also being used due to the extreme conditions.

Disaster mitigation agency spokesperson Abdul Muhari said evacuations and search efforts remain hampered by ongoing volcanic activity.

Survivors had earlier told police the three missing individuals were likely dead, according to Halmahera police chief Erlichson Pasaribu.

Authorities have evacuated 17 people from the area, including seven Singaporeans and 10 Indonesians.

Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is working with its embassy in Jakarta and Indonesian authorities to provide assistance to affected citizens and their families.

• Search underway for 20 hikers trapped after Mount Dukono eruption

Hazardous terrain

Indonesia’s volcanology agency has kept Mount Dukono at the third-highest alert level, warning residents and tourists to stay at least 4 km from the crater.

Indonesia sits on the Ring of Fire, a highly active volcanic and seismic zone where eruptions and earthquakes are frequent due to tectonic activity.

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News Indonesia Singapore Mount Dukono eruption Halmahera Natural Disasters Asia rescue operation Emergency Services