Indonesia: North Sulawesi’s Mount Soputan erupts December 16

Event

Volcano Mount Soputan, located in Minahasa (North Sulawesi), erupted on Sunday morning, December 16 (local time), resulting in a 7,500-meter-high ash column and thick smoke into the sky, which spread to the south and southwest. In the aftermath of this eruption, an earthquake with a 6.2 magnitude occurred 170 km (102 mi) south-southwest of Jayapura, in Papua province.

Context

Mount Soputan is one of Indonesia's 120 active volcanoes. Due to its location on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", North Sulawesi is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Advice

Individuals present in North Sulawesi are advised to avoid the vicinity of the volcano, monitor the situation, adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders), and wear respiratory masks and covering clothing to protect skin from ash fall in affected areas. Individuals present in Papua should be prepared for further aftershocks, and adhere to any instructions issued by local or regional authorities.