Mount Sorikmarapi in North Sumatra on Alert Status, Residents Warned to Keep Distance

The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has reported a significant increase in seismic activity at Mount Sorikmarapi in Mandailing Natal Regency, North Sumatra, raising its status to Level II (Alert).

Acting Head of the Geological Agency, Lana Saria, stated that the surge in activity was marked by a rise in Deep Volcanic Earthquakes recorded on Saturday, 18 July. Based on observations from that day, between 00:00 and 18:30 WIB, a total of 40 Deep Volcanic Earthquakes were recorded, alongside five Local Tectonic Earthquakes and two Distant Tectonic Earthquakes. This continues a trend observed throughout the period of 1 to 17 July, during which 182 Deep Volcanic Earthquakes, 31 Local Tectonic Earthquakes, and 51 Distant Tectonic Earthquakes were detected.

Despite the increase in deep seismicity, Lana noted that seismographs at the Sorikmarapi Observation Post have not yet recorded any shallow or surface earthquakes. As a precautionary measure, the Geological Agency recommends that residents and tourists refrain from entering the area within a 1.5-kilometre radius of the main crater summit. The public is also urged to stay away from the Sibangor Tonga Crater, Sibangor Julu Crater, and other active craters to avoid the threat of sudden mud eruptions and toxic gas releases.