Manado, Ekuatorial – Two volcanoes, Lokon mountain in Tomohon and Karangetang mountain in Siau Tagulandang Biaro (Sitaro) district, have been raised to alert status after Soputan mountain erupted again last week, said an official on Tuesday (10/3).
Yudia Tatipang, head of Karangetang Mountain Monitoring Post, said that volcanic activities were fluctuating and they were still considered as normal. “We are still monitoring [volcanic activities]. It is no on alert status or level III,” said Tatipang.
Furthermore, he said that seismograph recorded less than five times, sometimes more than five times of volcanic activities. “This is still normal,” he said. “However, we warn people to be aware of Karangetang rising [volcanic] activities.”
He cited the mountain’s increasing volcanic activities occurred in February which led to evacuation of dozens families living in 4.5 kilometers radius of Karangetang mountain.
Frans Salindeho, a Siau villager, said that Karangetang mountain had spewed hot lava followed by bright light during the night. “It has no impacts whatsoever but it does give us warning to be alert,” said Salindeho.
In Tomohon city, the government had instructed people not to come closer within 2.5 kilometers of the mountain. “They are not allow to be around within 2.5 kilometers radius.
Meanwhile, in Tomohon the government has officially instructed people not come closer to the radius of 2,5 km. “They shouldn’t come closer to the radius of 2,5 km. Climbing is also banned,” said Jemmy Eman, Tomohon Mayor adding that they had ordered Community Protection Officers to close climbing tracks to Lokon. Yoseph Ikanubun