WATCH Viral Video | Indonesian Volcano Mount Dukono Explodes, Hikers Panic

In a dramatic turn of events, the Mount Dukono volcano in Indonesia erupted unexpectedly, causing a group of hikers to make a frantic escape down its treacherous slopes.

The eruption, captured by a government drone earlier this month, reveals the hikers racing down the rocky terrain amidst a towering plume of ash.

Photo Credit: X

WATCH Viral Video | Indonesian Volcano Explodes

The heart-stopping footage shows the hikers scrambling to safety as the ash cloud rolls towards them with alarming speed. Battling fear and uncertainty, the group dropped down the side of the volcano in a desperate bid to escape the disaster unfolding above them.

According to The Telegraph, all hikers survived the terrifying ordeal. Despite explicit warnings from Indonesia's national disaster agency, which had issued a ban on entering the hazardous area of Halmahera Island, the group ventured into the danger zone. The island, known for its rugged terrain and sparse population, is home to Mount Dukono, a volcano that has been in a near-constant state of eruption since the 1930s.

The national disaster agency had strongly advised against climbing Mount Dukono due to heightened volcanic activity. Priatin Hadi Wijaya, Head of the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation, emphasized, "The public is advised not to climb or visit Mount Dukono as volcanic activity is still high at the moment."

This incident highlights the peril of ignoring safety warnings in volcanic regions and underscores the need for vigilance in the face of natural disasters.