JAKARTA, May 10 (Xinhua) -- A joint search and rescue operation for hikers affected by the eruption of Mount Dukono in Indonesia's North Maluku province ended on Sunday after all missing victims were found, authorities said.

Three hikers were killed in the eruption, including two Singaporean nationals and one Indonesian, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said.

Of the 20 hikers affected, 17 survived. The search and rescue operation involved personnel from rescue agencies, disaster management authorities, the military, police, volunteers, and local residents.

Authorities said the evacuation was hampered by continued volcanic activity, difficult terrain, and victims buried under volcanic material.

Mount Dukono erupted on Friday, sending an ash column up to 10 km into the sky. Authorities reiterated a ban on climbing and warned the public to stay outside a 4-km danger zone around the crater. ■