Recovery of Singaporean Citizens After Mount Dukono Volcanic Eruption

May 10, 2026, 15:53
AsiaInternational

Introduction

Indonesian authorities have finished their search and rescue operations on Halmahera Island after finding the bodies of two Singaporean citizens and one Indonesian citizen who died during a volcanic eruption.

Main Body

The incident began on Friday when Mount Dukono, located in North Maluku province, erupted and sent a cloud of ash 10 kilometers into the air. A group of about 20 hikers had climbed the volcano, reportedly ignoring safety rules and a 4-kilometer danger zone set by the volcanology agency. While 17 people were safely evacuated, three people died. The bodies of Timothy Heng Wen Qiang (30) and Shahin Muhrez Abdul Hamid (27) were recovered on Sunday, after an Indonesian woman was found on Saturday. Rescue efforts were difficult due to ongoing volcanic activity, bad weather, and the rough terrain. Around 150 personnel, including police and military teams, used thermal drones to search the area. The two Singaporeans were found under rocks close to each other. At the same time, the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs stayed in contact with the families and helped the seven surviving Singaporeans return home. Local authorities have started an investigation to see if the guides were negligent for leading the group into the restricted area. However, the family of Mr. Heng disagreed with claims that he was reckless, describing him as an experienced hiker. His step-sister, Ms. Tessa Oh, emphasized that he tried to help other climbers, which other survivors confirmed. Furthermore, she claimed that the official safety warnings about the climb were inconsistent.

Conclusion

The search operation has officially ended, and the bodies are undergoing medical examinations before being sent back to their home countries.

Learning

⚑ The 'Nuance' Leap: From Basic Facts to Complex Arguments

At an A2 level, you describe what happened. To reach B2, you must describe how people feel about what happened and why they disagree.

Look at the clash in the text:

  • The Official View: The hikers were "negligent" and "reckless" (they ignored rules).
  • The Family View: The hiker was "experienced" and the warnings were "inconsistent."

πŸ› οΈ The B2 Tool: Contrasting Connectors

To move from A2 β†’\rightarrow B2, stop using but for everything. Use these shifts to build a professional argument:

A2 Level (Basic)B2 Level (Advanced)Effect
But the family disagreed.However, the family disagreed.Formal shift.
And she said...Furthermore, she claimed...Adding a stronger point.

πŸ” Vocabulary Upgrade: Specificity

B2 students avoid "generic" words. Notice how the article avoids saying "the ground was bad" or "the police were careless."

  • Instead of "Bad ground" β†’\rightarrow Rough terrain (Specific to geography).
  • Instead of "Careless" β†’\rightarrow Negligent (Specific to legal/professional failure).
  • Instead of "Wrong" β†’\rightarrow Inconsistent (Specific to a pattern of mistakes).

Pro Tip: When you describe a disaster or an accident, don't just list events. Use "Furthermore" to add evidence and "However" to introduce a different perspective. This is the secret to sounding fluent and academic.

Vocabulary Learning

volcanology
The scientific study of volcanoes and volcanic activity.
Example:The volcanology agency issued a warning about the eruption.
negligent
Failing to take proper care or attention; careless.
Example:The guide was accused of being negligent for leading hikers into the danger zone.
restricted
Not allowed to enter or use; limited or prohibited.
Example:The area was marked as restricted to protect the hikers.
thermal
Relating to heat or temperature.
Example:Thermal drones were used to locate the missing hikers.
drones
Unmanned aircraft used for surveillance or delivery.
Example:The drones scanned the volcanic terrain for survivors.
survivors
People who live after a disaster or dangerous event.
Example:Survivors of the eruption shared their experiences with the media.
official
Authorized or recognized by an authority.
Example:The official safety warnings were ignored by some climbers.
inconsistent
Not in agreement or harmony; contradictory.
Example:The safety warnings were inconsistent, causing confusion.
medical examinations
Tests performed on bodies to determine health or cause of death.
Example:The bodies underwent medical examinations before being sent home.
danger zone
An area considered hazardous or unsafe.
Example:The hikers entered the danger zone despite warnings.
climbers
People who ascend mountains or cliffs.
Example:Climbers must follow safety rules when ascending volcanoes.
search
The act of looking for something or someone.
Example:Rescue teams started a search for the missing hikers.
rescue
To save someone from danger or distress.
Example:The police carried out rescue operations in the volcanic area.
operations
A series of actions or tasks carried out to achieve a goal.
Example:The rescue operations were hampered by bad weather.
police
Law enforcement officers who maintain public order.
Example:Police assisted in the evacuation of the hikers.
military
Relating to armed forces or war.
Example:Military teams helped with the search.
teams
Groups of people working together toward a common goal.
Example:Teams of volunteers joined the rescue effort.
recovered
Retrieved or restored after being lost or missing.
Example:The bodies were recovered from the volcanic ash.
recovery
The process of regaining or restoring something lost.
Example:The recovery of the missing hikers took several days.