PGA Lokon Post: Blue Smoke From Fire Mark Crater

Mount Lokon in Tomohon City. BETWEEN/Karel A Polakitan (1)

MANADO - Head of the Lokon Volcano Observation Post (PGA) in Kakaskasen, Tomohon City, North Sulawesi (Sulut), Farid R Bina said the blue smoke that was observed coming out of the crater indicated the sulfur burning process.

"So it can be seen that blue smoke is heading south. It indicates that sulfur is burning at high temperatures," said Farid in Manado as reported by ANTARA, Thursday, February 22.

Meanwhile, the fire at the bottom of the crater, he said, would still be monitored whether it was getting bigger or not.

"That's why I plan to go up (tompaluan area) to see the size of the hotspots at the bottom of the crater," he said.

He estimates that the fire has grown because it is indicated that the smoke coming out of the crater is getting thicker and more and more.

Farid still hopes that residents will comply with the recommendations issued by the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM).

In addition, residents and tourists are expected not to approach and carry out activities within a radius of 2.5 kilometers from Tompaluan Crater (activity center).

In the event of an eruption and ash rain, he said, people are advised to stay indoors and if they are outside the house, they are advised to use the nose, mouth (mask), and eyes (glasses).

Residents are also expected to be aware of the potential for lahars in rivers that originate from the peak of Mount Lokon, especially during the rainy season.