KBRN, Manado: A cluster of volcanoes across North Sulawesi has entered a heightened phase of geological activity, prompting Indonesia’s Geological Agency to raise alert levels and intensify monitoring efforts.

The region, nestled between the Celebes Sea and the mountainous spine of Sulawesi, is home to some of the archipelago’s most active volcanoes, several of which now pose increased risks to surrounding communities.

Mount Lokon, located in Tomohon City, has been upgraded to Level III (standby) following a dramatic spike in seismic events.

The 1,580-meter stratovolcano recorded more than 100 tremors per day, far above its usual average of three, triggering the status change on Wednesday, September 3, at midday local time.

Lokon last erupted in 2015, sending ash clouds into the atmosphere and disrupting local air traffic.

Four other volcanoes: Mount Awu in the Sangihe Islands, Mount Karangetang and Mount Ruang in the Sitaro Islands, and Mount Soputan in Southeast Minahasa, remain under Level II (alert).

Though currently stable, authorities warn that these volcanoes are capable of producing small to moderate eruptions without further escalation.

Mount Awu, rising to 1,320 meters, last erupted in 2004 and is one of Indonesia’s northernmost volcanoes.

Mount Karangetang, at 1,784 meters, has shown persistent activity since early 2023. Mount Ruang, a 725-meter peak, erupted most recently in April 2022, prompting temporary evacuations.

Mount Soputan, also 1,784 meters high, last erupted in 2018 and sits between Lokon and Mahawu.

Volcano Working Team Head Heruningtyas Desi Purnamasari urged residents to remain vigilant and follow official safety guidelines. “Although these volcanoes are under Level II alert, eruptions can still occur. We ask communities to respect the designated exclusion zones and stay informed through official channels,” she said in Manado on Thursday evening, September 11, 2025, as reported by rri.co.id.

Meanwhile, three volcanoes, Mount Tangkoko in Bitung, Mount Mahawu in Tomohon, and Mount Ambang in Bolaang Mongondow, remain at Level I (normal), showing no signs of increased activity.

North Sulawesi’s position along the Pacific Ring of Fire makes it one of Indonesia’s most geologically volatile regions. The Geological Agency under Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources continues to conduct real-time surveillance and coordinate with local administrations to ensure public safety.

Residents are advised to monitor updates from the Geological Agency and regional disaster management offices and to comply with evacuation protocols should conditions escalate. ***