Residents Are Advised Not To Do Activities At The Hazard Radius Of Mount Awu

The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) appealed to residents not to move at the danger radius of Mount Awu in Sangihe Islands Regency, North Sulawesi. BETWEEN/HO-BADAN GEOLOGI

MANADO- The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) appealed to residents not to move at the danger radius of Mount Awu in Sangihe Islands Regency, North Sulawesi.

"People and visitors or tourists should not enter and do not move within a three-kilometer radius of the crater center of Mount Awu," said Head of the Geological Agency, Muhammad Wafid AN, as reported by ANTARA, Monday, February 3.

The public is also expected not to be provoked by untrue and irresponsible news regarding the activities of Mount Awu, as well as following directions from the competent authorities, namely the Geological Agency which will continue to coordinate with BNPB, BMKG, Ministries/Institutions, Regional Governments, and other relevant agencies.

In addition, the Sangihe Islands Regency BPBD always coordinates with the Gunung Awu PGA Post in monitoring the development of the mountain activity.

The level of activity of Mount Awu will be re-evaluated periodically or if there is a significant change in activity and remains valid as long as the next evaluation letter/report has not been issued.

Muhammad Wafid said that the potential danger of Mount Awu that may occur is in the form of phreatic and magnesium eruptions that can produce incandescent material ejections and/or pyroclastic flow.

Next, the potential for volcanic earthquake swarms or dismantling of the lava dome can occur if the pressure inside the magmatic system experiences a sudden and significant increase.

Another potential danger is volcanic gas emissions that can endanger lives if the concentration inhaled exceeds the threshold value is safe.

The Geological Agency based on the results of visual and instrumental monitoring until January 31, 2025, lowered the activity level of Mount Awu from level III (standby) to level II (alert) starting February 2, 2025 at 06.00 WITA.