Mount Awu Status Lowered to Level II
The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has lowered the activity level of Mount Awu in the Sangihe Islands Regency, North Sulawesi, from Level III (Alert) to Level II (Warning). Acting Head of the Geological Agency Lana Saria stated in Jakarta on Wednesday (8/7) that the status downgrade took effect from 8 July 2026 at 13.00 WITA.
"The activity level of Mount Awu has been lowered from Level III to Level II following a significant decrease in volcanic earthquake activity," she said. The Mount Awu Volcano Observation Post (PGA) team reported that seismic monitoring from 1 to 7 July 2026 recorded 116 shallow volcanic earthquakes (VB) with an average of 16 events per day, 17 deep volcanic earthquakes (VA), 445 distant tectonic earthquakes (TJ), and one felt earthquake at scale I MMI.
Lana explained that the latest seismic monitoring data shows a reduction in activity compared to conditions in May 2026. "This seismicity is greatly reduced compared to the seismic activity in May 2026. And crater smoke emissions remain stable and have not been observed passing the mountain peak," she said. Additionally, based on deformation data using tiltmeter instruments, the accumulation of magma pressure at shallow depths within the volcano also appears to have decreased.
Although the status has eased, the Geological Agency stressed that a sudden increase in seismicity, particularly in the form of volcanic earthquake swarms, still needs to be anticipated in the future given that local volcanic and tectonic activity remains quite high. Potential hazards that could occur at any time in the summit area include magmatic eruptions, phreatic eruptions, and the potential collapse of the lava dome if pressure within the magmatic system significantly increases again.
The Geological Agency also issued updated technical recommendations for local communities, tourists, and climbers of Mount Awu following the status downgrade. "The public is advised not to enter the area and is strictly prohibited from conducting any activities within a 3-kilometre radius of the active crater of Mount Awu to ensure safety," she emphasised.