In Indonesia’s Mount Ruang, a 725-meter volcano situated on Ruang Island, North Sulawesi erupted multiple times prompting authorities to issue evacuation orders and a tsunami alert.
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The series of eruptions began on April 17, 2024 and continued into the following days spewing lava, ash plumes, and triggering seismic activity.
Mount Ruang erupted several times overnight on April 17, 2024, spewing fiery lava and ash plumes thousands of feet into the sky.
The Mount Ruang volcano standing at 725 meters (2,400 feet) experienced at least five eruptions since Tuesday night, making authorities to raise the alert level to the highest. The eruptions were triggered by earthquakes in the area.
Indonesian authorities ordered the evacuation of hundreds of villagers residing near Mount Ruang to ensure their safety.
More than 11,000 residents from the area around Tagulandang Island were instructed to evacuate to safer locations.
Authorities conducted evacuations by boat, ferrying residents, inmates, and officials to Likupang seaport in northern Sulawesi island.
The possibility of a tsunami looms as Mount Ruang could partially collapse into the sea, similar to the event in 1871.
Residents near Tagulandang Island were warned to remain alert for incandescent rocks, hot cloud surges, and tsunami waves.
The eruption led to the closure of Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado city, disrupting air travel until Thursday evening.
Airlines including AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines, suspended flights to and from affected areas prioritizing passenger safety amidst the volcanic ash spread.
Indonesia known for its seismic and volcanic activity, experiences over 120 active volcanoes, making it susceptible to natural disasters. Previous volcanic eruptions such as the 2018 eruption of Anak Krakatau resulted in tsunamis.
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Indonesian authorities are monitoring the situation and coordinating evacuation efforts to ensure the safety of residents and tourists.
International agencies and neighboring countries are providing assistance and support in response to the volcanic activity.
Indonesian authorities responded to the eruption by ordering the evacuation of hundreds of villagers residing near Mount Ruang. The volcano’s activity raised fears of a collapse into the sea, reminiscent of the 1871 event.
Evacuation efforts intensified as eruptions continued with more than 11,000 residents from the vicinity of Tagulandang Island being urged to flee to safer locations such as nearby Manado.
Authorities warned coastal communities particularly those near Tagulandang Island to remain vigilant for incandescent rocks, hot cloud surges, and potential tsunami waves resulting from the volcano’s collapse into the sea.
The eruption disrupted air travel in the region leading to the closure of Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado and flight cancellations.
Airlines including AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines, suspended flights to and from affected areas citing concerns over volcanic ash endangering flight safety.
Mount Ruang’s eruption underlines Indonesia’s precarious position within the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where tectonic plate interactions result in seismic and volcanic events.
As a stratovolcano, Mount Ruang exhibits characteristic explosive eruptions fueled by gas buildup in viscous magma.
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