Seismic recordings of the PVMBG observatory detected an elevated seismic activity recently.
Between 1 Dec 2023 and 3 Jan 2024, about 470 volcano-tectonic earthquakes have been monitored at roughly regular intervals 2-3 per day. The volcano observatory reported seismic signals with a maximum amplitude of 4-46 mm today. Magma is likely squeezing through and cracking the crust generates seismic energy. It might eventually allow it to rise further.
Gas and steam emissions have been „venting“ from the summit, rising about 5-300 meters above the crater.
The alert level for the volcano remains at Level II (Alert) so far.
People are advised to avoid an area around the main crater within a radius of 1.5 km.
Gamalana has 9 craters: Arfat Crater, Madiena, K1, K2, K3, K4, Laguna Lake, Tolire Jaha and Tolire Kecil. 3 cones, progressively younger to the north, form the summit of Gamalama volcano. Several maars and vents define a rift zone, parallel to the Halmahera island arc, that cuts the volcano.
Source: Pusat Vulkanologi dan Mitigasi Bencana Geologi volcano activity update 5 January 2024
