Volcanic activity at Karangetang during 3-9 February consisted of low-level ash clouds rising above South and North craters, incandescent glow extending to 50 m above South Crater, and booming noises that were heard at the observation post. On 6 February at 0027 an ash explosion produced a cloud to an unknown height that deposited ash in villages SW of the volcano, including Akesembeka, Tarurane, Tatahadeng, Bebali, and Salili. During the report week, there was a significant increase in volcanic and emission earthquakes in comparison to the previous week. Karangetang remained at Alert Level 3 (on a scale of 1-4).

Geological Summary. Karangetang (Api Siau) volcano lies at the northern end of the island of Siau, about 125 km NNE of the NE-most point of Sulawesi. The stratovolcano contains five summit craters along a N-S line. It is one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes, with more than 40 eruptions recorded since 1675 and many additional small eruptions that were not documented (Neumann van Padang, 1951). Twentieth-century eruptions have included frequent explosive activity sometimes accompanied by pyroclastic flows and lahars. Lava dome growth has occurred in the summit craters; collapse of lava flow fronts have produced pyroclastic flows.

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