PVMBG reported continuing daily steam-and-gas emissions at Lokon-Empung during 12-18 July. White plumes with variable densities rose as high as 400 m above the crater rim and drifted S and N. The Alert Level was raised to 3 (on a scale of 1-4) at 1800 on 17 July and the public was reminded not to approach Tompaluan Crater within a radius of 2.5 km.

Geological Summary. The Lokong-Empung volcanic complex, rising above the plain of Tondano in North Sulawesi, includes four peaks and an active crater. Lokon, the highest peak, has a flat craterless top. The morphologically younger Empung cone 2 km NE has a 400-m-wide, 150-m-deep crater that erupted last in the 18th century. A ridge extending 3 km WNW from Lokon includes the Tatawiran and Tetempangan peaks. All eruptions since 1829 have originated from Tompaluan, a 150 x 250 m crater in the saddle between Lokon and Empung. These eruptions have primarily produced small-to-moderate ash plumes that sometimes damaged croplands and houses, but lava-dome growth and pyroclastic flows have also occurred.

Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG, also known as CVGHM)