Indonesian rescue teams on Saturday intensified efforts to recover the bodies of three climbers killed after the eruption of Mount Dukono in eastern Indonesia, deploying drones and dozens of personnel to search the volcano’s summit area.

The victims were identified as Singapore nationals Heng Wen Qiang Timothy, 30, and Shahin Muhrez Bin Abdul Hamid, 27, as well as an Indonesian climber named Enjel, authorities said.

A joint search-and-rescue operation resumed for a second day after the three climbers were reported missing during Friday’s eruption of the volcano in North Maluku province.

“We are deploying a drone team to assist aerial monitoring to locate the three climbers,” said Handri Wira Suriyana, commander of the North Maluku Police Mobile Brigade unit.

He said six drone operators and 30 rescue officials had been deployed from the North Halmahera district.

Police said at least 17 other climbers, including Singaporean nationals and local Indonesian hikers, were rescued from the volcano on Friday.

The Geological Agency said Mount Dukono erupted several times on Friday, sending volcanic ash into the sky and triggering loud explosions.

Officials warned that volcanic activity at the mountain had increased sharply since late March and that climbing around the volcano had been prohibited due to continuing eruption risks.

(NAN)