By Anas Abu Hassan
SINGAPORE, May 10 (Bernama) -- The Singapore Embassy in Jakarta is working closely with the Indonesian authorities to identify two bodies recovered from the Mount Dukono area, believed to be Singapore citizens, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said.
In a statement on Sunday, MFA said officials were also in close contact with affected families to facilitate the identification and would continue to provide consular assistance.
"Indonesian authorities have informed officers from the Singapore Embassy in Jakarta that they have recovered two bodies from Mount Dukono, which are believed to be those of the missing Singaporeans.
"MFA would like to express its deep appreciation to the Indonesian authorities, particularly the search and rescue teams comprising more than 150 personnel for their efforts under very difficult and hazardous conditions," it said.
According to the Indonesia National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), the bodies of all three hikers killed in the eruption of Mount Dukono in eastern Indonesia have been recovered, officially ending the search and rescue operation on Sunday.
Mount Dukono, located on the northern part of Halmahera island in North Maluku province, erupted on Friday morning, killing three individuals, while 17 others, comprising seven Singaporeans and 10 Indonesians, were safely evacuated.
-- BERNAMA
