SINGAPORE, May 9 — Singapore is working with Indonesia to provide assistance and support to Singaporeans affected by the eruption of Mount Dukono, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said, Channel News Asia (CNA) reported.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Singapore Embassy in Jakarta are working closely with the Indonesian authorities to gather the relevant information, and render consular assistance and support to the affected Singaporeans and their families,” MFA reportedly said.
Three hikers, including two Singaporeans, were reported dead after Mount Dukono erupted on Indonesia’s eastern Halmahera island.
The volcano, located in North Maluku province, erupted at 7.41am local time (6.41am Singapore time) yesterday, sending a plume of ash and smoke up to 10km into the air.
“There are three dead, two foreigners and one resident of Ternate island in eastern Indonesia,” North Halmahera police chief Erlichson Pasaribu told Kompas TV.
The number of Singaporeans affected was not disclosed by MFA, but Indonesian authorities said 20 people were caught in the eruption, with three still missing.
Mount Dukono is currently at level two on Indonesia’s four-tier volcanic alert system.
The area had been closed to visitors since April 17 after scientists recorded increased volcanic activity.
The Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) had earlier advised tourists and climbers to stay at least four kilometres away from the volcano’s Malupang Warirang crater due to heightened activity.
