Two Singaporean nationals who had been missing for several days following a volcanic eruption in Indonesia have been confirmed dead, according to local rescue authorities.

The victims were reportedly caught in dangerous conditions near Mount Dukono, an active volcano located on Indonesia’s Halmahera Island. Rescue teams later discovered the bodies near the crater rim after an intensive search operation.

Local rescue agency officials said evacuation efforts were ongoing but remained extremely difficult due to continuing volcanic activity and severe weather conditions in the area.

Rescue agency head Iwan Ramdani stated that eruptions were still occurring while heavy rain further complicated access to the mountain terrain and delayed the safe recovery of the bodies.

Mount Dukono is one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes and has experienced frequent eruptions over the years. Authorities often warn visitors and climbers to avoid restricted zones around the crater because of the constant risk of ash explosions, toxic gases, and sudden volcanic activity.

Indonesia sits along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for intense seismic and volcanic activity due to shifting tectonic plates. The country is home to more active volcanoes than almost any other nation in the world.

Officials have not yet released additional details about how the two Singaporeans became stranded near the volcano during the eruption.

Emergency teams continue monitoring conditions as recovery operations remain underway amid ongoing volcanic hazards and poor weather.