More than 2,100 people living near the erupting Mount Ruang volcano on Indonesia’s Sulawesi Island were evacuated due to the dangers of spreading ash, falling rocks, hot volcanic clouds, and the possibility of a tsunami. The volcano has experienced at least three eruptions, with the ash spreading to various directions and reaching a maximum height of 1,200 meters. The eruption has led to the temporary closure of an international airport in Manado city, less than 100 kilometers away from the volcano, as volcanic ash was spewed into the air. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and coordinating with relevant stakeholders to ensure flight safety, security, and comfort.
More than 11,000 people have been instructed to leave their homes in the affected area. A joint team from local authorities has been evacuating residents from villages surrounding the volcano to safer areas by boat. Officials are concerned about the possibility of part of the volcano collapsing into the sea and causing a tsunami, as occurred in a previous eruption in 1871. The eruption has caused damage to houses, roads, and other buildings, with gray volcanic ash covering the area and many roofs being broken by debris. Mount Ruang experienced five large eruptions on Wednesday, prompting the highest level of alert from the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation.
The observation from the agency on Friday indicated that white smoke was rising from the main crater with medium to thick intensity. There is a particular concern for Tagulandang Island, to the east of the volcano, which could be at risk in the event of a collapse. Residents of the island have also been told to evacuate and will be relocated to Manado, a journey that takes 6 hours by boat. Indonesia has 120 active volcanoes due to its location along the “Ring of Fire,” a series of seismic fault lines around the Pacific Ocean. The country is prone to volcanic activity, and officials are working to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected by the eruption of Mount Ruang.
