10 Feb 2023 | 10:59 AM UTC
Indonesia: Increased volcanic activity at Karangetang volcano on Siau Island, North Sulawesi Province as of Feb. 10
Increased volcanic activity at Karangetang volcano in North Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, Feb. 10. Evacuations ongoing; alert level raised.
Event
Officials with the Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation have observed increased levels of volcanic activity at the Karangetang volcano, located on Siau Island in North Sulawesi Province, as of Feb. 10. A new eruptive episode began at the volcano Feb. 8 and was preceded by an increase in seismic activity. Lava flows are present and have extended up to 1,750 meters (5,741 feet) in the western sector and up to 1,000 meters (3,281 feet) in the eastern and southeastern sectors.
The increased volcanic activity has prompted authorities to evacuate 73 people from the village of Dompase. Further evacuations are possible over the coming days. Officials have raised the alert level for Karangetang to Level 3 (the second-highest level on a four-tier scale) as of Feb. 8. People are advised to avoid an area within a 2.5 km (1.6 miles) radius of the main crater, extended to 3.5 km (2.2 miles) in the south-southeast sector. Additional volcanic activity could cause low-level seismic activity, ash clouds, and landslides in the surrounding area. The threat of lahars (pyroclastic mudflows) will increase during periods of heavy rainfall.
Transport
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 at Siau Airport (BRG) if significant ashfall accumulations occur.
Health
Volcanic activity may impact air quality in areas of North Sulawesi Province, especially in Siau Island and other parts of the Sangir Archipelago. Following an explosive event, air quality could become a concern, particularly in areas near the crater. Individuals in the region - especially those with underlying pulmonary conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - may experience difficulty breathing and suffer from lower tolerance to physical exertion.
Advice
In the event of further eruptions, contact airlines for updated flight information; confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport. Avoid areas with heavy ash accumulations. If operating in areas affected by the ash cloud, consider remaining indoors in air-conditioned facilities when possible. Those who must be outdoors should use facemasks and observe other precautions to avoid ash inhalation. Drive defensively; seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas close to the volcano. Heed all official orders.
