Indonesia: Increased volcanic activity ongoing at Mount Awu on Sangir Island, North Sulawesi Province, as of April 19

Officials with the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) have observed increased levels of volcanic activity at Mount Awu Volcano, located on Sangir Island in North Sulawesi Province, as of April 19. An increase in seismic activity and ground inflation indicating magma moving towards the surface have been observed in recent weeks, indicating a possible eruption in the near future. Officials have increased the volcanic alert level from level 2 to 3 (out of 4) late April 16.

Residents and visitors are urged to comply with the safety radius of 5 km (3.1 miles) from the crater to mitigate risks of exposure to potential explosive activities. Further seismic activity is likely in the coming days, and if an eruption does occur then ash clouds, lava flows, gas emissions, and other volcanic material may be produced, posing a threat to surrounding communities. Awu is located around 150 km (93 miles) north of Mount Ruang, where an ongoing explosive eruption has led to the evacuation of hundreds of people and caused disruptions to regional air travel.

Plan for possible transport disruptions in the surrounding area, especially if a significant eruptive event occurs. Road conditions could quickly deteriorate during periods of significant ashfall, and visibility could be reduced. Officials might close roads near the volcano depending on the presence of hazardous volcanic material. Fine particulate matter ejected from the volcano could pose a hazard to flights in the surrounding airspace. Authorities might temporarily close airport facilities if significant ashfall accumulations occur.