The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has issued a stern appeal to residents of Siau Island, Sitaro Islands Regency, to strictly observe the activity exclusion zone following the eruption of Mount Karangetang. This step was taken following an increase in volcanic activity on Sunday night, July 12, 2026, at 19:14 WITA.
Acting Head of the Geological Agency, Lana Saria, officially recommended that residents stay out of a 1.5-kilometer radius from both the northern and southern craters. Additionally, activity restrictions have been extended to 2.5 kilometers specifically for the southwest and south sectors of the southern crater to avoid the risk of unexpected volcanic material.
The eruption began with a Strombolian phenomenon reaching a height of 100 meters, accompanied by booming sounds and the ejection of incandescent material. This phenomenon was followed by an effusive eruption in the form of lava flows descending in various directions, reaching up to 1,000 meters from the northern crater. Authorities emphasized that potential hazards, such as pyroclastic flows traveling along valleys, remain a real threat that residents must guard against.
Monitoring data showed fairly high seismic intensity throughout the period of July 1 to 11, 2026, including rockfall earthquakes, emissions, as well as harmonic and non-harmonic tremors. Although the current volcanic activity remains at Level II (Alert), the government has asked the public to remain calm and not be provoked by unverified information.
The public is asked to constantly monitor the situation through the official channels of the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation. Residents' discipline in complying with the safe zone is crucial to minimizing the risk of casualties and material loss due to Mount Karangetang's characteristic tendency to discharge lava flows toward surrounding valleys.
