TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Volcanic activity at Mount Sinabung in Karo Regency, North Sumatra, reportedly intensified on Friday, May 22, 2026. The volcano's status currently remains at Level II or waspada (caution), the second-highest level.
"This spike in seismic activity must be closely monitored, given the potential dangers of Mount Sinabung's activity, which could trigger phreatic or magmatic eruptions," Geological Agency Head Lana Saria said in a statement on Friday, May 22, 2026.
According to Lana, the volcano's recent seismic activity has been dominated by tectonic earthquakes. While volcanic earthquakes have also been registered, their numbers remain relatively low. Seismic data from May 21, 2026, revealed continuous tremors with a maximum amplitude of 4 millimeters that began at 11:53 p.m. WIB and persisted into Friday, May 22, 2026.
Additionally, Lana noted that emission shocks, low-frequency earthquakes, and hybrid quakes, which were previously rare occurrences, have also been detected. Plumes of thin-to-moderate white smoke were observed rising from the crater, reaching heights of 50 to 500 meters above the lava dome. There is also a risk of a lava dome collapse should internal pressure within the magmatic system continue to build significantly.
Since March 2024, the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) has recommended that residents, tourists, and climbers steer clear of a 2-kilometer exclusion zone around the peak, which extends to 3.5 kilometers in the south-southeast sector.
In addition to immediate hazards like volcanic rock projectiles and ash dispersion, residents are also being warned of secondary dangers, particularly lava flows during the rainy season. These flows can cross rivers in the southwest sector that originate from the peak of the mountain.
Local administrations, including the Regional Disaster Management Agencies (BPBD) of North Sumatra Province and Karo Regency, have been urged to coordinate actively with the Mount Sinabung Volcano Observation Post in Ndokum Siroga Village. Citizens can also monitor official updates through the MAGMA Indonesia application or the PVMBG website.
According to Lana, evaluations of Mount Sinabung's status will be conducted periodically or whenever significant volcanic changes occur. "The public is advised to remain calm yet vigilant, and to follow instructions from the authorities for the safety of everyone involved," she added.
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