Volcanic activity at Mount Karangetang, located in the Siau Tagulandang Biaro (Sitaro) Islands Regency, North Sulawesi, escalated again on Sunday (7/12/2026) night. The eruption, recorded at 7:13 p.m. WITA, triggered incandescent lava bursts and a significant increase in seismic activity.
Vieko Kristianse Rompas, an officer at the Karangetang Volcano Observation Post, issued a stern warning to residents living along the banks of rivers originating from the peak. Residents were urged to heighten their alertness regarding the potential threat of rain-triggered lahars and flash floods that could flow to coastal areas at any time.
Based on seismograph data, the eruption reached a maximum amplitude of 50 mm with a duration of 153 seconds. Incandescent lava ejecta from the northern crater was observed reaching heights of up to 100 meters, with volcanic material sliding up to 1,000 meters to the south as well as 1,000 meters to the north-northwest.
Observers have also established a exclusion zone within a 1.5-kilometer radius of Crater Two and the Main Crater. Additionally, a sectoral danger zone extension of 2.5 kilometers to the south and southwest has been designated. These restrictions are being enforced as the lava material accumulated on the slopes remains unstable and poses a risk of collapsing or launching sudden pyroclastic flows.
The general public and hikers are strongly advised to refrain from all activities within the designated danger zone. Local authorities will continue to conduct intensive monitoring of Mount Karangetang's volcanic activity to ensure the safety of residents along the mountain slopes.
