The VSI reported that volcanic activity increased in comparison to the previous week. Explosions began occurring at 1920 on 28 January and produced glowing ejecta (volcanic bombs) that fell on the N slope of the volcano. The height of the ash cloud that was produced by the eruption could not be measured due to unfavorable weather conditions. A strong sulfurous smell was detected from Kakaskasen observatory. On the morning of 29 January an ash plume rose continuously up to 300 m above the crater. The Alert Level at the volcano was raised during the report period from level 2 to 3 (on a scale of 1-4).

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)