Mount Ruang volcano eruption : Indonesia’s remote Mount Ruang volcano erupted multiple times on Tuesday, prompting authorities to issue the highest level of alert and order the evacuation of thousands of people due to the threat of a tsunami from debris sliding into the sea.
Indonesia on High Alert: Mount Ruang Volcano Erupts
Mount Ruang, located in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province, erupted at around 01:15 am local time on Tuesday and then twice more that morning, according to the country’s volcanology agency.
Volcanic Activity and Threats
The volcano sent a tower of ash more than five kilometres into the sky and emitted a fiery column of lava. The national disaster agency estimated that 11,000 to 12,000 people had to be relocated from near Ruang’s crater, citing the potential for ejections of incandescent rocks, hot clouds, and tsunamis due to eruption material entering the sea.
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To address the tsunami threat, rescue ships were dispatched to move thousands of residents from neighbouring Tagulandang island north to Siau island. Coastal areas were evacuated, and a seven-kilometre exclusion zone was imposed around Mount Ruang.
Past Incidents and Precautions
The fear of tsunamis was informed by historical events, including a tsunami in 1871 that claimed around 400 lives after volcanic debris fell into the sea. Additionally, the collapse of Mount Anak Krakatoa’s crater in 2018 triggered a deadly tsunami, highlighting the potential risks associated with volcanic activity in the region.
Ongoing Evacuations and Airport Closure
While some residents had returned home after initial evacuations, the latest eruption prompted renewed evacuations and the closure of Sam Ratulangi international airport in Manado, more than 100 kilometres away, due to volcanic ash.
Indonesia, situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity, underscoring the need for vigilant monitoring and preparedness measures to mitigate risks and ensure public safety.
FAQ : Mount Ruang volcano eruption
- What caused the Mount Ruang volcano eruption?
- The eruption of Mount Ruang was triggered by increased volcanic activity, resulting in multiple explosions and the release of ash and lava.
- Where is Mount Ruang located?
- Mount Ruang is located in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province.
- When did Mount Ruang erupt?
- Mount Ruang erupted on Tuesday, with the initial eruption occurring around 01:15 am local time.
- How many times did Mount Ruang erupt?
- Mount Ruang erupted multiple times on Tuesday, with eruptions reported throughout the morning.
- How high did the volcanic ash from Mount Ruang reach?
- The volcanic ash from Mount Ruang reached a height of more than five kilometers (3.1 miles) into the sky.
- How many people were evacuated due to the Mount Ruang eruption?
- Authorities evacuated an estimated 11,000 to 12,000 people from areas near Mount Ruang’s crater.
- Was there a tsunami threat associated with the Mount Ruang eruption?
- Yes, there was a tsunami threat due to the possibility of debris from the eruption entering the sea and triggering waves.
- What safety measures were taken in response to the Mount Ruang eruption?
- A seven-kilometer exclusion zone was imposed around Mount Ruang, and authorities evacuated residents from coastal areas to mitigate the risk of tsunamis.
- Was there any previous volcanic activity in the region that influenced the evacuation decision?
- Yes, previous volcanic events in Indonesia, including the collapse of Mount Anak Krakatoa in 2018, which triggered a tsunami, contributed to the decision to evacuate residents.
- How is Indonesia’s government managing the situation following the Mount Ruang eruption?
- Indonesian authorities are closely monitoring the situation, providing assistance to evacuees, and coordinating emergency response efforts to ensure the safety of affected communities.