Mount Awu volcanic activity remains above normal in North Sulawesi

The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has reported that volcanic activity at Mount Awu in the Sangihe Islands Regency, North Sulawesi, remains above normal levels.

Between August 1 and August 15, 2026, monitoring recorded 323 shallow volcanic earthquakes, averaging 21 occurrences per day. Other recorded seismic events include 32 deep volcanic earthquakes, one local tectonic earthquake, four felt earthquakes on the I-II MMI scale, and 523 distant tectonic earthquakes. Real Time Seismic Amplitude Measurement (RSAM) indicates fluctuating volcanic energy, with a general upward trend influenced by high tectonic activity in the surrounding area.

Visual observations show no significant changes in the crater since early July 2024, and no crater smoke has been observed from the monitoring post. This suggests that gas emissions remain contained within the crater and that crater temperatures have not increased. However, due to increased seismicity and pressure accumulation at shallow depths, authorities warn of potential hazards including explosive magmatic eruptions, effusive magmatic eruptions, or phreatic eruptions.