Berita

BANDUNG. Based on analysis result of visual and seismic activity, the volcanic activity of Mt. Karangetang showed significant increase especially to multi-phase quake and Avalanches Quake, that is why the activity level of Mt. Karangetang was increased from Advisory (Level II) to Watch (Level III), commencing on August 8th, 2011 at 4 p.m.

Intensive monitoring is continuously done by The Center for Vulcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) to evaluate the activity of Mt. Karangetang and coordinate with Local Government (Satlak PB and Satkorlak PB). The activity status of Mt. Karangetang may be decreased/increased if volcanic activity of Mt. Karangetang decreases/increases, as press conference accepted by editorial staff of esdm.go.id, Tuesday (8/9/2011).

Related to the status of Mt. Karangetang, PVMBG recommended citizens and tourism not to hike the peak more than 500 m from sea. If heavy ash rain happens, it is recommended to use mask. For citizens in Mini Village in west part (Beha Barat River) and Kopi Village in south part (Kahetang River) to be more alert towards the danger of pyroclastic and incandescent lava which possibly happens every time and in rainy season, citizens live along Batu Awang River, Kahetang, Batang, Beha Timur, Pangi and Nanitu to be alert towards the secondary danger such as lava flow.

Mt. Karangetang is a volcanic island locating in north part of North Sulawesi Province, exactly on Siau Island about 146 km from Manado, including in Sitaro District. The volcano is monitored continuously from Volcano Observation Post in Salili Village. Geographically, Mt. Karangetang is in 02047’ North Lat. and 125029’ East Long., with its peak is about 1827 m above the sea level (asl).

The last eruption activity of Mt. Karangetang happened in March 2011, in which its activity level was decreased to WARNING (Level IV) on March 18th, 2011 at 4.45 p.m. (WITA). Then, volcanic activity decreased, so on March 25th, 2011 at 6.30 p.m. (WITA) the volcanic activity of Mt. Karangetang decreased to WATCH (Level III). Since June 6th, 2010 the activity status of Mt. Karangetang decreased to ADVISORY (Level II).

Karangetang Volcano is the most active volcano in Indonesia because of its frequent eruption happens every year. Its eruption characteristic is in form of explosive eruption strombolian and vulcanian type and also the growth of lava dome which is often followed by pyroclastic avalanches. The danger of Mt. Karangetang is generally caused by pyroclastic avalanches, incandescent avalanches falls from lava dome and lava secondary danger. The danger risk is higher because Volcanic Island is only approximately 4 Km between coastal boundary and central eruption, which consists of many settlements. The last eruption happened on August 6th, 2010 have caused 4 victims which caused by pyroclastic avalanches from lava dome immediately at night. (AK)