Mount Lokon, Soputan, And Space In North Sulawesi Enter Alert Status

JAKARTA - Three volcanoes in North Sulawesi (North Sulawesi) currently have a level two alert status. The three mountains in alert status are Mount Lokon in Tomohon City, Gunung Soputan (South Minahasa Regency / Southeast Minahasa Regency) and Mount Ruang (Sitaro Islands Regency).

"This alert status indicates an increasing seismicity and deformation from normal status level one," said Head of the Volcano Working Team, Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG), Ahmad Basuki, quoted from ANTARA, Saturday, September 16.

Even though they are alert, he said, the potential for an eruption is possible. However, when people comply with the recommendations issued by PVMBG, it is quite safe.

"We urge the public to comply with the recommendations issued, such as not carrying out activities at the recommended hazard radius," he said.

In addition to the three gunungans with alert status, in the province of the northern tip of Sulawesi there are also four volcanoes with normal status.

The volcano is Mount Ambang in Bolaang Mongondow Regency, Mount Mahawu (Tomohon City), Mount Tangkoko (Bitung City), and Gunung Ruang (Sitaro Islands Regency).

"The only volcano in North Sulawesi that is still on alert at level three is Mount Karangetang on Siau Island, Sitaro Islands Regency," he explained.

The Karangetang volcano on Siau Island has erupted effusively since early February 2023, its status has been raised to alert after experiencing a series of increased seismic activity.