Volcanic Activity at Mount Lokon in Tomohon Intensifies, Toxic Gas Warning Issued
Mount Lokon in Tomohon City, North Sulawesi, has once again shown increased volcanic activity. The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has warned of potential hazards including the release of toxic gases from the crater, which could occur at any time.
Beyond the threat of dangerous gases, the volcano's activity also has the potential to trigger sudden eruptions.
"Phreatic eruptions — eruptions caused by the contact of hot magmatic steam with hydrothermal water — could occur suddenly," said Acting Head of the Geological Agency, Lana Saria, on Monday (16 February).
Based on instrumental monitoring, seven emission quakes, 26 shallow volcanic earthquakes, five deep volcanic earthquakes, and 106 distant tectonic earthquakes were recorded. Seismic activity was dominated by shallow volcanic earthquakes (VB), whilst deep volcanic earthquakes (VA) were relatively infrequent.
Visually, thin white smoke emissions were observed from the crater, reaching heights of approximately 25 metres. This indicates ongoing subsurface activity.
As of the latest evaluation on 31 January 2026, Mount Lokon's status remains at Level II (Alert). Recommendations issued have been adjusted in accordance with current threat assessments.
Residents, visitors, tourists, and hikers are prohibited from conducting activities within a 1.5-kilometre radius of Tompaluan Crater. In the event of an eruption accompanied by ash fall, residents are advised to remain indoors. If forced to be outdoors, the use of protective masks covering the nose and mouth, as well as goggles to protect the eyes, is recommended.
Additionally, communities have been urged to remain vigilant against the potential for lahars in rivers originating from the summit of Mount Lokon, particularly during the rainy season.
Beyond the threat of dangerous gases, the volcano's activity also has the potential to trigger sudden eruptions.
"Phreatic eruptions — eruptions caused by the contact of hot magmatic steam with hydrothermal water — could occur suddenly," said Acting Head of the Geological Agency, Lana Saria, on Monday (16 February).
Based on instrumental monitoring, seven emission quakes, 26 shallow volcanic earthquakes, five deep volcanic earthquakes, and 106 distant tectonic earthquakes were recorded. Seismic activity was dominated by shallow volcanic earthquakes (VB), whilst deep volcanic earthquakes (VA) were relatively infrequent.
Visually, thin white smoke emissions were observed from the crater, reaching heights of approximately 25 metres. This indicates ongoing subsurface activity.
As of the latest evaluation on 31 January 2026, Mount Lokon's status remains at Level II (Alert). Recommendations issued have been adjusted in accordance with current threat assessments.
Residents, visitors, tourists, and hikers are prohibited from conducting activities within a 1.5-kilometre radius of Tompaluan Crater. In the event of an eruption accompanied by ash fall, residents are advised to remain indoors. If forced to be outdoors, the use of protective masks covering the nose and mouth, as well as goggles to protect the eyes, is recommended.
Additionally, communities have been urged to remain vigilant against the potential for lahars in rivers originating from the summit of Mount Lokon, particularly during the rainy season.