Life in a volcano danger zone
The Documentary Podcast
BBC
4.3 • 2.7K Ratings
🗓️ 23 May 2026
⏱️ 24 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Earlier this month, a volcanic eruption, which sent a plume of ash some 10km into the sky, killed three people hiking up Mount Dukono in Indonesia. The tourists had climbed the mountain despite official warnings. It is the latest incident in recent years where tourists have been killed visiting an active volcano. We explore the attraction of volcanoes, as well as hearing about the extreme danger they can pose to visitors and those living nearby. “I think it’s good in life to maybe do something that scares you and be humbled,” says photographer Demian in Hawaii. Plus, volcano guides share their experiences, and we speak to someone who has chosen to make his home on the slopes of an active volcano, and find out what it is i like to be a lava chaser.
Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | BBC Sounds, music radio podcasts. |
| 0:07.3 | On BBC Sounds, there are podcasts to help you look after your body and your mind. |
| 0:12.7 | From increasing your immunity to feeling more confident. |
| 0:16.6 | Or tips on how to focus. |
| 0:18.5 | Sorry, what will you say? |
| 0:19.7 | If it matters to you, it matters to us. |
| 0:22.6 | Feel good inside of it. |
| 0:24.3 | With What's Up Docs. |
| 0:25.8 | And Complex with Kimberly Wilson. |
| 0:27.9 | Listen on BBC Sounds. |
| 0:33.2 | Hello, I'm James Reynolds. |
| 0:35.0 | Welcome to the documentary from the BBC World Service. In BBC |
| 0:39.3 | conversations, we bring people together to share their experiences. This time, we hear from people |
| 0:44.9 | who live and work on active volcanoes. On the 8th of May, 20 hikers set off to climb Mount Dukunu on the Indonesian island of Halmahera. |
| 0:58.1 | Authorities had warned against walking within four kilometres of the volcano's rim, |
| 1:02.9 | which had already erupted 200 times since March. |
| 1:07.0 | When the volcano erupted again that day, it left three dead and several others injured. |
| 1:13.3 | It's the latest incident in recent years in which tourists have been killed visiting an active volcano. |
| 1:19.6 | In our conversations, we wanted to explore the attraction of volcanoes. |
| 1:24.7 | We wanted to hear about the extreme danger that they can pose to visitors and also |
| 1:29.2 | to those living nearby. Later, we'll hear from a man known as the Lava Chaser in Hawaii and his own |
| 1:35.9 | brush with death. Firstly, though, my colleague Rahul Tandon brought together Alex, who lives near two active |
... |
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