TERNATE: Indonesian authorities resumed search operations on Saturday for three hikers, including two Singaporeans, who went missing after Mount Dukono erupted in North Maluku province,
The Straits Times reported.
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The missing hikers were part of a group of 20 climbers, including nine Singaporeans and 11 Indonesians, who reportedly entered the area despite an existing climbing ban and a 4km exclusion zone around the volcano.
Search efforts involving more than 100 personnel, including rescue teams, police, military officers and volunteers, resumed after operations were halted overnight due to poor visibility and continued volcanic activity.
Mount Dukono erupted on Friday morning, sending volcanic ash about 10km into the sky and trapping hikers near the summit on Halmahera island.
Indonesian authorities said drones were also deployed to assist the search, while police were questioning the group’s guide and porter over allegations they led hikers into a restricted zone.
