RRI.CO.ID, Manado - The Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has reported an increase in seismic activity at Mount Awu, located in the Sangihe Islands Regency, North Sulawesi. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as shallow volcanic earthquakes remain high, signaling potential volcanic unrest.

Acting Head of the Geological Agency, Lana Saria, noted that monitoring on May 4 revealed a significant spike. "Seismic monitoring on May 4 showed an increase in seismicity with shallow volcanic earthquakes reaching 74 events," Lana said in a report on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The Geological Agency recorded further activity between midnight and noon WITA on May 5, which included 15 shallow volcanic earthquakes. During this same period, monitoring equipment also detected two deep volcanic earthquakes. Furthermore, the seismic data showed 23 distant tectonic earthquakes occurring in the region.

Visually, white crater smoke of thin to medium intensity has been observed rising between 20 to 200 meters above the lava dome. While fluid-flow-related low-frequency earthquakes have not yet been detected, the overall activity remains above normal levels.

Experts believe the increased activity is influenced not only by internal magmatic pressure but also by a broader rise in tectonic activity across North Sulawesi and North Maluku since April 2026.

The primary risks currently identified include potential magmatic or phreatic eruptions, which could result in explosive activity originating from the crater. Additionally, there is a significant risk of a lava dome collapse, as increased pressure within the magmatic system could lead to the destruction or displacement of the current dome.

Mount Awu is currently maintained at Level II (Caution). Consequently, the Geological Agency has issued a formal recommendation for public safety, strictly prohibiting residents and visitors from entering or conducting any activities within a 3-kilometer radius of the crater center.

Local authorities urge the community to remain calm, follow official directives from the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), and disregard unverified or irresponsible news regarding the mountain’s status. ***