On April 22, the PVMBG lowered the alert level of Mt Ruang to three, but still declared the volcanic island and parts of Tagulandang within a four-kilometre radius from the crater off limits. Despite warnings, some Ruang residents have secretly returned to inspect their damaged homes and retrieve belongings. One resident, Mr Dikson, mentioned that he came to pick up his generator, washing machine, and tools for a refugee camp. Officials, led by Mr Lilik Kurniawan, the BNPB deputy for logistics and equipment, plan to conduct patrols and erect warning signs to prevent residents from entering the island, emphasizing the high-risk nature of the area.
Mr Lilik also assured that authorities would provide evacuees with shelter, food, and clothing. Dr Eko, a disaster mitigation expert, highlighted the importance of ensuring that locals stay away from the exclusion zone, which may remain in place for years as seen with Mount Marapi. Dr Eko stressed the danger of complacency, noting that ignoring warnings and becoming tired of living in refugee camps could lead to a potentially deadly situation if volcanic activity were to increase again. He urged people to remain vigilant, as volcanic eruptions are unpredictable and could happen again.
Despite the lowered alert level, Mt Ruang continued to show activity and had not returned to normal. The warning from the PVMBG discouraged most residents from returning to the island, but a few individuals were tempted to retrieve essential items from their damaged homes. Mr Lilik reiterated the need for caution, with officials deploying patrols and warning signs to prevent people from entering the exclusion zone. The authorities also promised ongoing support for evacuees in terms of shelter, food, and clothing, recognizing the challenges faced by those displaced by the volcanic eruption.
Dr Eko raised concerns about the potential dangers of ignoring warnings and becoming complacent, as volcanic activity, though reduced, could resurge unexpectedly. He emphasized the need for vigilance among residents, despite the desire to return home or move on from living in refugee camps. The expert highlighted the risk posed by continuing volcanic activity and the importance of heeding official warnings to protect lives and prevent further disasters. The situation on Mt Ruang serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of volcanic eruptions and the need for ongoing vigilance and preparedness in disaster-prone areas.
In the aftermath of the eruption on Mt Ruang, evacuees faced challenges in finding shelter, food, and clothing. Despite promises from authorities to meet these needs, some residents still risked their safety by returning to the island to retrieve their belongings. Authorities, led by Mr Lilik Kurniawan, took steps to prevent residents from entering the exclusion zone and emphasized the high-risk nature of the area. Dr Eko stressed the importance of staying vigilant, as complacency and fatigue could lead to further danger if volcanic activity were to increase. The situation on Mt Ruang highlights the ongoing risks posed by volcanic eruptions and the need for continued caution and preparedness in disaster-prone regions.
