Indonesia’s Mount Ruang volcano has recently experienced increased activity, with another eruption occurring on Wednesday following a previous eruption the day before. This has led to the closure of schools and airports in the region, as well as the evacuation of hundreds of people due to the volcanic debris being scattered across nearby villages. The volcano is located on Ruang Island in the Sitaro islands chain, with seven airports, including the Sam Ratulangi international airport in Manado, remaining closed after the recent eruption.
The Indonesian geological agency has issued warnings for people to stay at least 4 miles away from the volcano’s crater, with concerns about possible super-heated volcanic clouds and tsunamis if the volcanic dome were to collapse into the sea. Video footage released by the National Search and Rescue Agency showed villagers from Tagulandang Island being evacuated to safety on a navy ship, with more awaiting evacuation at a local port. It is estimated that 11,000 to 12,000 people living within the danger zone will be taken to government shelters for their safety.
Following Tuesday’s eruption, which caused the sky to darken and coated several villages with ash and rocks, no casualties were reported. Authorities had previously warned of the possibility of a volcanic collapse into the sea after a previous eruption on April 17. Mount Ruang is just one of around 130 active volcanoes in Indonesia, a nation at high risk of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes due to its location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for its seismic activity. The ongoing activity at Mount Ruang serves as a reminder of the geological challenges faced by communities in this region and the importance of preparedness and evacuations in the face of such natural disasters.
