The Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi (PVMBG) reported increased seismic activity at Lokon-Empung since 31 October. During 6-12 November daily gas-and-steam emissions rose 10-20 m above the summit and drifted multiple directions. Between 32 and 154 shallow volcanic earthquakes were recorded each day. Due to the increased activity, PVMBG raised the Alert Level from 2 to 3 (on a scale of 1-4) at 2200 on 10 November, and the public was warned to stay 3 km away from the crater.

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)