Mount Karangetang, located on Siau Island, Siau Tagulandang Biaro (Sitaro) Islands Regency, North Sulawesi, was reported to have exhibited high volcanic activity again on Sunday (12/7/2026) night at 19:14 WITA. The explosive eruption hurled incandescent material into the air, triggering fires across vegetation around the main crater.
Head of the Karangetang Volcano Observation Post (PGA), Yudia P. Tatipang, explained that the eruption carried significant energy intensity. The ejecta of hot material striking the savanna vegetation at the summit produced a dramatic red glow against the sky, making the phenomenon appear massive to residents viewing from a distance.
Although the flames were strikingly visible, volcanological authorities confirmed that the spread of incandescent material remains concentrated within the exclusion zone and poses no threat to residential areas on the mountain slopes. Currently, the observation team continues to conduct close monitoring in the field to anticipate secondary hazards, such as potential incandescent lava avalanches that could occur anytime post-eruption.
To date, the activity status of Mount Karangetang remains at Level III (Alert/Siaga). Members of the public and tourists in the surrounding disaster-prone area are advised not to enter the designated exclusion radius set by authorities and to consistently follow official instructions for their safety.
