ESDM reminds Tomohon residents to be aware of the threat of Mount Lokon

MANADO - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) reminded the people of the City of Tomohon, North Sulawesi (Sulut) to be aware of the potential dangers of Mount Lokon which is located in the local area.

"The potential threat of danger from Mount Lokon activities at this time is the possibility of toxic gas coming out of the crater at any time, and also the possibility of a sudden phreatic eruption (eruption caused by the contact of hot vapor of magma with hydrothermal water)," said Acting Head of the Geological Agency, Lana Saria in a report on Mount Lokon activities received in Manado, Saturday, April 18, reported by ANTARA.

In the activity report for the period 16-31 March 2026, it was stated that people living around the river channel upstream from the peak of Mount Lokon should be aware of the occurrence of lahar during the rainy season or the occurrence of heavy rain on the peak with a long duration.

The earthquake of Mount Lokon during the period 16 - 31 March 2026, was recorded as many as 42 times of eruption earthquakes, one non-harmonic tremor, 43 times of shallow volcanic earthquakes, seven times of deep volcanic earthquakes, three times of local tectonic earthquakes and 61 times of distant tectonic earthquakes.

Based on the results of visual observations of Mount Lokon's activity, a thin white smoke plume was observed with a maximum height of about 25 meters above the crater.

The seismicity of Mount Lokon during this period was dominated by shallow volcanic earthquakes (VB), while deep volcanic earthquakes (VA) were rarely recorded.

Volcanic activity based on visual and seismic data has not shown any increase.

Based on the results of a thorough analysis and evaluation until March 31, 2026, the level of activity of Mount Lokon is at Level II (Alert) with recommendations adjusted to the current potential threat of danger.

Several recommendations that must be obeyed by the community, visitors, tourists, and climbers, including not being allowed to carry out activities and approach the area within a radius of 1.5 kilometers from the Tompaluan crater (activity center) of Mount Lokon.

If an eruption and ash rain occur, the public is advised to stay indoors, and if they are outside the house, it is recommended to use a nose, mouth (mask) and eye (glasses) protector.

Furthermore, be aware of the potential for lahar in rivers upstream from the peak of Mount Lokon, especially during the rainy season.