Mount Ruang has erupted twice within a span of two weeks, spewing of ash and debris. The recent eruption occurring on Tuesday saw the volcano spewing ash nearly 2 kilometers into the atmosphere.
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The eruptions have posed a threat to nearby communities but have also disrupted air travel. Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado, the provincial capital, was forced to shut down due to reduced visibility caused by the ash.
Indonesian authorities in response to the volcanic activity have implemented evacuation measures to ensure the safety of residents living in vulnerable areas.
More than 12,000 individuals residing on nearby islands including Ruang and Tagulandang, have been evacuated to safer locations.
The Indonesian geological service has raised the alert level for Mount Ruang to its highest status. Residents and climbers have been advised to maintain a safe distance of at least 6 kilometers from the volcano’s crater to avoid potential hazards.
Concerns about the possibility of a tsunami triggered by volcanic material collapsing into the ocean have prompted authorities to issue warnings to coastal communities.
Mount Ruang’s eruptions have been accompanied by seismic activity and deep volcanic earthquakes.
The eruptions has risks to human lives and have also caused environmental damage and economic disruptions.
The closure of airports and evacuation efforts have impacted local businesses and disrupted daily activities in affected areas.
Mount Ruang is among the approximately 130 active volcanoes in Indonesia, a country situated within the Pacific “Ring of Fire.”
Sensors detected increasing activity, prompting urgent warnings from the agency. Residents and climbers were advised to maintain a safe distance of at least 6 kilometers from the volcano’s crater to ensure their safety.
The eruption led to the closure of Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado, the provincial capital, due to reduced visibility and the risk to aircraft engines by volcanic ash.
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This disruption in air travel affected not only local residents but also travelers passing through the region. Nearby towns and villages, including Manado, experienced the fallout of ash, grit, and rocks, impacting daily life for residents.
Yulius Ramopolii, the head of Mount Ruang monitoring post, described the eruption as dark and intense, with rocks raining down and causing power outages.
The volcanic activity obscured the sun and subjected several villages to falling debris. Despite the severity of the eruption, fortunately, no casualties were reported.
Following the eruption on April 17, more than 11,000 people evacuated as authorities warned of the potential for a major eruption.
Concerns centered around the possibility of volcanic collapse into the sea, triggering a tsunami that could endanger coastal communities.
Indonesian authorities evacuated over 12,000 people from nearby islands, including Tagulandang Island. Residents were relocated to safer areas as a precautionary measure against volcanic activity and potential tsunamis.
Indonesia, home to approximately 130 active volcanoes remains susceptible to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes due to its location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire.”
This geological feature encompasses a series of fault lines extending across the region contributing to seismic activity.
Authorities closed Manado’s airport again and issued warnings to residents within a 7-kilometer radius of the volcano.
The Indonesian Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) declared a maximum state of alert.
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