A search operation for three missing hikers, including two Singaporeans, resumed on the morning of May 9, a day after a powerful eruption took place on Mount Dukono in Indonesia.

The volcano erupted on May 8, sending ash about 10km into the sky and trapping a group of hikers who had reportedly entered a restricted zone despite a climbing ban.

Indonesian authorities said at least 17 people were evacuated, while rescue efforts have been hampered by continuing eruptions and poor visibility.

Here is what you need to know about Mount Dukono:

Ash emissions and smaller eruptions also take place often, as the volcano is part of the seismically active Pacific “Ring of Fire”.

Since March 2026 alone, the authorities have recorded nearly 200 smaller eruptions, Reuters reported.

Indonesian authorities had banned climbing in April

Last month, local authorities had imposed a climbing ban after increased volcanic activity, and volcanologists had warned people to stay at least 4km away from the Malupang Warirang crater, which is the centre of the volcanic activity, Al Jazeera reported.

It has reportedly been closed since April 17, according to Halmaheranesia.com, an Indonesian media outlet.

Despite repeated warnings and a ban, Mount Dukono still continued to attract hikers and adventure tourists seeking close-up views of volcanic activity, according to reports by Reuters and AP.