Geological Agency Urges Climbers to Stay Away from 1.5 Kilometer Radius of Mount Soputan

MANADO - The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) appeals to climbers, tourists and the community around Mount Soputan in North Sulawesi (Sulut) not to be active and stay away from the 1.5 kilometer radius of the mountain.

"Based on the results of thorough analysis and evaluation until May 31, 2026, the level of activity of Mount Soputan remains at Level II (Alert) with recommendations adjusted to the current potential threat," said Acting Head of the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Lana Saria, in the evaluation of Mount Soputan which was received in Manado, Saturday, as quoted by Antara.

The Geological Agency hopes that people who live/work around Mount Soputan will prepare nose and mouth masks to anticipate ash rain if an eruption occurs.

The seismicity of Mount Soputan in the period 16-31 May 2026, was dominated by distant tectonic earthquakes, where seismographs recorded 11 shallow volcanic earthquakes, one deep volcanic earthquake and 104 distant tectonic earthquakes.

Meanwhile, based on visual observation data, the eruption was not observed and the height of the crater smoke was observed with a maximum height of 30 meters from the peak.

Instrumentally, the seismic activity of Mount Soputan is still dominated by tectonic earthquakes.

Overall, during this period, the activity of tectonic earthquakes is still relatively high, but it is not followed by magma migration to the surface and deformation also does not show significant changes in the pressure under the body of Mount Soputan.

It is necessary to be aware of the potential dangers of current Mount Soputan activities in the form of lava and lava flow/flow and pyroclastic flows, along with the still high tectonic earthquakes in this period.

If there is a volcanic eruption, the potential for secondary hazards in the form of lahar can occur along the river/valley upstream of Mount Soputan.