Mount Dukono eruption: Bodies of two killed Singaporean hikers evacuated as rescue operation ends
The evacuation process of the last two bodies had encountered obstacles due to the victims' position "being buried under volcanic materials of significant thickness and depth", according to the authorities.
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JAKARTA: Indonesian rescuers on Sunday (May 10) recovered and evacuated the bodies of two Singaporean hikers killed in the eruption of Mount Dukono on Indonesia's Halmahera island, capping a three-day search operation, authorities said on Sunday (May 10).
Seventeen other hikers, including seven Singaporeans, had been brought down safely.
"The two victims, both foreign nationals, were found deceased not far from where the first victim was found on Saturday," said Abdul Muhari, the spokesperson for Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency BNPB.
"The evacuation process of the last two bodies encountered obstacles due to the victims' position, being buried under volcanic materials of significant thickness and depth."
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Earlier, the search and rescue agency said they were located near the crater rim.
The two hikers had previously been identified as Heng Wen Qiang Timothy, 30, and Shahin Muhrez Abdul Hamid, 27, when authorities released a list of survivors and those missing.
Rescuers had earlier found backpacks suspected to belong to the two Singaporeans.
The body of 28-year-old Indonesian national Angel Krishela Pradita, the first victim found, was discovered on Saturday.
"Mount Dukono's eruptive activity continues to fluctuate, requiring the joint SAR team to conduct the evacuation process carefully while prioritising the safety of personnel in the field," Abdul added.
All the bodies were evacuated to the Mount Dukono emergency response post before being transferred to Tobelo Regional Hospital for identification.
BNPB said search efforts on the third day became more focused after the joint team identified the likely locations of the victims buried under the volcanic sand using GPS coordinates from earlier operations.
With all victims recovered, the search and rescue operation has officially concluded, said BNPB.
Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said on Sunday that Indonesian authorities had informed officers from the Singapore Embassy in Jakarta they had recovered two bodies from Mount Dukono believed to be those of the Singaporeans.
"The embassy is working closely with the Indonesian authorities in Tobelo, North Maluku, on the formal identification of the two bodies," MFA said.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in close contact with the families to facilitate the identification and will continue to provide consular assistance.
"MFA would like to express its deep appreciation to the Indonesian authorities, particularly the search and rescue teams comprising more than 150 personnel, for their efforts under very difficult and hazardous conditions."
Mount Dukono, located in North Maluku province bordering the Pacific Ocean, began erupting on Friday, spewing ash as high as 10km. It has continued to erupt at a lower scale ever since.
A total of 98 personnel were deployed, including members from the search and rescue agency (Basarnas), the North Halmahera Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency, the Indonesian Army, the Indonesian Navy as well as local volunteers.
Two survivors had assisted the joint rescue team by providing information regarding the climbing route and the victims' last known location before the emergency situation caused by the eruption.
Abdul of BNPB said on Sunday that the North Halmahera Regency Government, through the Tourism Office, had previously declared a total closure of climbing activities on Mount Dukono starting Apr 17.
"Under this decree, operators, managers, and climbing service providers are prohibited from issuing climbing permits to anyone," he said.
BNPB added that monitoring of climbing activities in the Mount Dukono area will continue to be tightened and any violation of the provisions regarding the closure of climbing routes will be subject to sanctions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
The local government has also requested that managers and climbing service providers actively educate the public and tourists regarding the closure of climbing routes and the potential dangers of eruptions to prevent the risk of loss of life.
Separately, North Halmahera police chief Erlichson Pasaribu earlier said several local guides are under probe and could face possible legal action for bringing a group of Singaporean tourists and Indonesian nationals close to the crater, despite the area within a 4km radius being closed for any activities.
"The guides are currently under investigation for alleged negligence resulting in another person's death," Erlichson told CNA.
He added that the offence carries a possible jail term of up to five years under Indonesia's Disaster Management Law and other public safety regulations.
No one has been detained as of Sunday, said Erlichson.
A local tour guide, citing fellow guides, said that the victims had apparently taken a faster but more dangerous route up Mount Dukono, although it remains unclear whether the path was unofficial.
Seventeen people, including seven Singaporeans and 10 Indonesians, survived the incident.
The seven Singaporeans evacuated would be returning home on Sunday, said MFA on Saturday.
Additional reporting by Denny Armandhanu and Nivell Rayda
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