Rescue Efforts After Volcanic Eruption at Mount Dukono

May 9, 2026, 14:15
AsiaEnvironment

Introduction

Indonesian authorities are carrying out search and rescue operations on Halmahera island after a volcanic eruption affected a group of hikers.

Main Body

The incident began on Friday when Mount Dukono released a column of ash that reached 10 kilometers into the air. A group of 20 people had climbed the 1,355-meter peak, even though there was a four-kilometer exclusion zone and hiking routes had been officially closed since April. Following the eruption, 17 people were evacuated, including seven Singaporeans; ten of these survivors suffered minor burns. Two Indonesian citizens helped rescue teams by providing location data about the paths the victims had taken. On Saturday, a team of over 100 military, police, and rescue workers used thermal drones to find the body of an Indonesian national named Enjel, located about 50 meters from the crater. The status of two Singaporean nationals is still unknown, although police chief Erlichson Pasaribu stated that survivor reports suggest there may be three deaths in total. The search is focused on a 700-square-meter area, but work is sometimes stopped because the volcano remains unstable, with lava bursts and ash columns reaching 3,000 meters. Various organizations have responded to the crisis. The Singaporean Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working with its embassy in Jakarta to provide support. Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Agency emphasized that entering restricted zones may lead to legal penalties. This event highlights the risks of Indonesia's location on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire,' where authorities must monitor over 120 active volcanoes, including Mount Dukono, which has been on high alert since 2008.

Conclusion

Search efforts continue for the two missing Singaporeans while authorities remind the public to follow safety rules around the volcano.

Learning

⚡ The 'Power-Up' Shift: Moving from Simple to Complex

As an A2 student, you usually say: "The volcano erupted. People were hurt." To reach B2, you need to connect ideas to show cause, effect, and condition. Look at how the article does this using Complex Connectors.

🛠️ The 'Even Though' Bridge

In the text: "...even though there was a four-kilometer exclusion zone..."

The Secret: A2 students use 'but'. B2 students use 'even though' or 'despite' to create a contrast that feels more professional and fluid. It tells the reader: "I know the rule, but this happened anyway."

Try this shift:

  • ❌ A2: It was raining, but they went hiking.
  • ✅ B2: They went hiking even though it was raining.

🌪️ Precise Verbs vs. Generic Verbs

Notice how the author doesn't just say "the volcano had ash." They use Released and Emphasized.

A2 Word (Too Simple)B2 Word (The Upgrade)Context in Article
Put out / SentReleased...released a column of ash...
Said / ToldEmphasized...emphasized that entering...
HelpProvide support...to provide support.

🧭 The 'Passive' Perspective

Check this sentence: "...hiking routes had been officially closed since April."

Why not say "The government closed the routes"? Because in B2 English, the action (closing the routes) is more important than who did it. Using the passive voice (had been closed) makes your writing sound objective and academic—exactly what is needed for the B2 transition.

Quick Tip: Whenever you describe a disaster or a formal rule, focus on the result rather than the person.

Vocabulary Learning

eruption (n.)
a sudden and violent release of gas, ash, and lava from a volcano
Example:The eruption of Mount Dukono caused a column of ash to rise 10 kilometers into the air.
evacuated (v.)
to remove people from a dangerous place to safety
Example:Seventeen people were evacuated from the volcano after the eruption.
survivors (n.)
people who live or remain after a disaster
Example:The survivors suffered minor burns but were rescued.
minor (adj.)
small or not serious
Example:Ten of the survivors suffered minor burns.
burns (n.)
injuries caused by heat
Example:The hikers had burns on their arms from the hot lava.
location (n.)
the particular place where something is
Example:The rescue teams used the location data to find the victims.
thermal (adj.)
relating to heat
Example:Thermal drones were used to locate the missing hikers.
drones (n.)
small unmanned aircraft
Example:The team flew drones over the crater to search for bodies.
crater (n.)
a bowl‑shaped depression at the top of a volcano
Example:The body of Enjel was found about 50 meters from the crater.
unknown (adj.)
not known or identified
Example:The status of two Singaporean nationals is still unknown.
deaths (n.)
the act of dying
Example:Survivor reports suggest there may be three deaths in total.
unstable (adj.)
not steady or likely to change
Example:The volcano remains unstable, with lava bursts.
lava (n.)
molten rock that flows from a volcano
Example:Lava bursts can destroy nearby vegetation.
bursts (v.)
to explode or erupt suddenly
Example:The volcano had lava bursts that threatened hikers.
ash (n.)
fine particles of burnt material
Example:Ash columns reached 3,000 meters.
responded (v.)
to react or reply to a situation
Example:Various organizations responded to the crisis.
crisis (n.)
a time of intense difficulty or danger
Example:The eruption created a crisis for the local community.
embassy (n.)
the office of a country's diplomatic representatives
Example:The embassy in Jakarta provided support to Singaporean nationals.
support (v.)
to give help or assistance
Example:The ministry worked with its embassy to provide support.
restricted (adj.)
not allowed or limited
Example:Entering restricted zones may lead to legal penalties.
penalties (n.)
punishments for breaking rules
Example:Legal penalties may be imposed for trespassing.
highlight (v.)
to emphasize or draw attention to
Example:The event highlights the risks of living near volcanoes.
risks (n.)
the possibility of danger or harm
Example:The risks of volcanic activity are high in the region.
monitor (v.)
to observe and check something over time
Example:Authorities must monitor over 120 active volcanoes.
alert (n.)
a warning or notification of danger
Example:Mount Dukono has been on high alert since 2008.
remind (v.)
to cause someone to remember
Example:Authorities remind the public to follow safety rules.
safety (n.)
the condition of being protected from danger
Example:Safety rules help prevent injuries during volcanic eruptions.
rules (n.)
a set of instructions that must be followed
Example:Safety rules around the volcano must be obeyed.