The eruption of the Dukono volcano on May 8, 2026

A violent eruption of Mount Dukono, in the northern Maluku Islands, killed two tourists and left approximately 20 hikers trapped around the crater. The event occurred on Friday morning, May 8, 2026, and highlighted the extreme risks associated with sudden bursts of explosive activity from the volcano. The powerful explosion produced massive emissions of ash and pyroclastic material (ejecta), which can form rapidly and unpredictably around still-active craters. These conditions quickly transform the surrounding area into a highly dangerous environment, even when the volcano appears to be in a phase of normal activity. Witnesses described dense ash columns and debris being thrown a short distance away, obstructing visibility and escape routes and increasing the risk to those near the crater.