Indonesian authorities issued a tsunami alert after several eruptions at the Ruang mountain in Sulawesi island sent ash thousands of feet high. More than 11,000 people were ordered to evacuate the area as the volcano had at least five large eruptions within a 24-hour period. Due to the increased volcanic activity, the alert level was raised to its highest. With at least 120 active volcanoes in Indonesia, the country is prone to such events as it sits along the “Ring of Fire”.
Tourists and residents were urged to stay at least 3.7 miles away from the 2,378-foot Ruang volcano to ensure their safety from any potential impact. Officials expressed concern that a collapse of a part of the volcano into the sea could trigger a tsunami, as seen in a past eruption in 1871. Tagulandang island, located to the northeast of the volcano, is at risk once again, leading authorities to issue evacuation orders for its residents. Those affected will be relocated to Manado, the nearest city on Sulawesi island, through a six-hour boat journey.
In a similar event in 2018, the eruption of Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau volcano led to a tsunami that caused widespread destruction along the coasts of Sumatra and Java. The aftermath of this eruption resulted in the deaths of 430 people, highlighting the serious consequences that volcanic activity in Indonesia can have. This incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of preparedness and evacuation plans in areas prone to such disasters, and the necessity of vigilance when dealing with volcanic threats in the region.
Indonesia is an archipelago home to 270 million people and is known for its high volcanic activity, given its location along the “Ring of Fire”. This horseshoe-shaped series of seismic fault lines around the Pacific Ocean makes the country particularly susceptible to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. With numerous active volcanoes scattered across its islands, Indonesia’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation plays a crucial role in monitoring and managing volcanic threats to ensure the safety of the population.
The evacuation efforts following the eruptions at Ruang mountain demonstrate the importance of immediate action in response to such emergencies. By swiftly relocating residents from at-risk areas to safer locations and issuing alerts and evacuation orders, authorities aim to minimize casualties and injuries from potential volcanic hazards. The coordination between government agencies, disaster response teams, and local communities is crucial in ensuring effective disaster management and response, particularly in Indonesia where the threat of volcanic activity looms large.
As the situation unfolds at the Ruang volcano and the surrounding areas, Indonesian authorities continue to closely monitor the volcanic activity and its potential impacts. With the memory of past disasters still fresh in the minds of many, the country remains vigilant in preparing for and responding to volcanic threats to protect its population and reduce the risks associated with living in a region prone to such natural disasters. Through ongoing monitoring, research, and preparedness efforts, Indonesia strives to mitigate the impact of volcanic eruptions and tsunamis, keeping its communities safe and resilient in the face of such challenges.
