Mount Karangetang Erupts, BPBD Urges Vigilance  

Manado: Mount Karangetang located in the northern end of the Sitaro Islands in North Sulawesi, erupted on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at around 7:14 p.m. WITA.
 
“The Sitaro Regency Government – and the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) – urge residents living along the (Batu Bulan and Kawahang) rivers to remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution, especially at night,” Head of the Emergency Division Sonny Belseran said.
 
Mount Karangetang remains at Alert Level II.
 
The eruption sent an ash column up to 400 meters above the summit, while lava flowed 700 to 1,000 meters northwest.
 
“The eruption was fairly strong and was followed by the ejection of incandescent volcanic material around the crater,” Head of the Karangetang Volcano Observation Post (PGA) Yudia P Tatipang.
 
The eruption hurled volcanic bombs around the summit, setting nearby grass fields ablaze.
 
“The magma reflections from the clouds made the fire appear much bigger,” he added.
 
Yudia said the volcanic debris was unlikely to reach nearby residential areas.
 
“Our personnel will continue to monitor the volcano and remain on alert for any new flows of incandescent lava,” he said.
 
(Jonathan Sianto)