Activities Of Mount Space Are Still Not Normal, 22 Volcanic Earthquakes Occur

Mount Ruang di Pulau Ruang, Kabupaten Kepulauan Sitaro, Sulawesi Utara rupsi sejak 16 April 2024. Foto diambil pada siang hari sebelum rupsi. ANTARA/HO-Pos PGA Ruang

MANADO - Geological Agency, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) recorded 22 volcanic earthquakes that occurred on Mount Ruang, Ruang Island, Sitaro Islands Regency, North Sulawesi, in the period 16-31 January 2025.

"There were 16 gusts, one shallow volcanic earthquake, four local tectonic earthquakes, and 105 distant tectonic earthquakes," said Head of the Geological Agency, Muhammad Wafid AN, quoted by ANTARAm Wednesday, February 12.

The Geological Agency also recorded one earthquake of flood vibration with an amplitude of 14 millimeters and an earthquake duration of 648 seconds.

In a report shared through a group conversation Info Gunung Api Sitaro, it was stated that the activity of Mount Ruang was still not back to normal. Although the number of seismicities has decreased compared to the April-May 2024 period, at that time the number of volcanic earthquakes was around 1-3 events per day.

Visually, white main crater smoke is still observed with intensity varying from thin to thick, with a height of about 50-100 meters from the summit.

On January 26, 2025, six gusts were recorded and three earthquakes were deep volcanic. The emergence of deep volcanic earthquakes is an indication of magma supply or migration from depth to shallower layers or towards the surface.

The current potential hazard includes an eruption that can produce incandescent material and volcanic ash, which depends on the direction and speed of the wind. In addition, the potential for lahars is also a threat in the event of heavy rain around Mount Ruang.

After experiencing an eruption on April 30, 2024, the activity of this mountain showed a decline. The crater smoke was observed to be white with moderate intensity, weak pressure, and heights ranging from 100-400 meters above the crater peak.

The activity level of Mount Ruang has been lowered from level III (standby) to level II (alert) since May 18, 2024 at 09.00 WITA.