Indonesia Searches for Missing After Volcano Eruption

Indonesian rescuers on Saturday resumed the search for three tourists who went missing following the eruption of the Dukono volcano on Halmahera Island. At least 100 rescuers, soldiers and police officers, supported by two thermal drones, have been deployed to find two Singaporean nationals and one Indonesian. The search is focused on an area within roughly 700m of the crater.

The volcano, located in North Maluku province, began erupting on Friday morning, sending ash up to 10km into the air. Authorities evacuated 17 people on Friday, including seven Singaporeans and 10 Indonesians, but the search was suspended that evening as eruptions continued.

Survivors told police that three people had been killed, including two Singaporeans, though the national rescue agency had not confirmed the deaths by Saturday.

Singapore's foreign ministry is working with Indonesian authorities to assist affected families. Indonesian volcanologists have maintained the third-highest alert level for Dukono and are advising against entering a 4km zone around the crater.

(reuters, lud)