Gunung Sorikmarapi Volcano Activity Rises, Authorities Issue 1.5 km Exclusion Zone

The Geological Agency of Indonesia reported a significant increase in volcanic seismic activity at Gunung Sorikmarapi in Mandailing Natal, North Sumatra, on 18 July 2026. Monitoring data recorded 40 deep volcanic earthquakes, five local tectonic quakes, one felt quake of magnitude I MMI, and two distant tectonic events between midnight and 18:30 WIB. This surge follows a prior trend in early July that logged 182 deep volcanic quakes, 31 local tectonic quakes and 51 distant quakes.

The volcano remains at Level II (Waspada). Authorities advise residents and visitors to stay at least 1.5 km from the main crater and to avoid the Sibangor Tonga, Sibangor Julu, and other active craters, warning of possible sudden mudflows and toxic gas emissions. No shallow or surface earthquakes have been detected yet, but the situation is under continuous observation.