Mount Ruang in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province has been causing concern with repeated eruptions this week, prompting thousands of evacuations and the closure of the nearest international airport. The volcano erupted multiple times over the past few days, with the latest ash column reaching 250m above its peak. Despite some signs of calming, the country’s volcanology agency warns that major eruptions could still occur as magmatic fluid continues to move towards the surface.
The ongoing volcanic activity has resulted in volcanic earthquakes, indicating that the crisis is far from over. The agency head, Hendra Gunawan, emphasized that eruptions may still take place due to the movement of magmatic fluid. Mount Ruang, with a peak of 725m above sea level, is currently the only volcano in Indonesia under the highest alert level within the country’s four-tiered system. Authorities have established a 6km exclusion zone around the volcano to ensure the safety of residents.
Evacuations have been carried out on neighbouring Tagulandang island, affecting over 6,000 residents out of a population of approximately 20,000. Officials had initially estimated that more than 11,000 people would need to be evacuated due to the potential dangers posed by volcanic rocks, hot clouds, and lava flows. The volcano has been a cause for concern due to its frequent eruptions and the unpredictable nature of volcanic activity, which has resulted in the disruption of daily life for many residents in the region.
The eruptions at Mount Ruang have been accompanied by a mix of lava, ash, and lightning, posing a threat to nearby villages. Despite the volcanic activity showing some signs of calming, the agency remains vigilant and is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of surrounding communities. With volcanic earthquakes continuing to be recorded, it is essential to remain cautious and prepared for potential eruptions that may still occur.
The volcano’s eruptions have raised concerns about the impact on the environment, as well as the infrastructure in the region. The closure of the nearest international airport has caused disruptions to travel plans, while the ongoing evacuations have put a strain on emergency response efforts. The situation at Mount Ruang serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of volcanic activity and the need for proactive monitoring and preparedness measures to protect lives and property in volcanic-prone areas.
As the threat from Mount Ruang remains, the Indonesian authorities continue to work to ensure the safety of residents in the affected areas. With the volcano still showing signs of activity and the potential for major eruptions, it is crucial for residents to heed the advice of officials and remain vigilant. The ongoing monitoring and response efforts will be essential in mitigating the impact of the volcanic activity and protecting the well-being of those living near the volcano.
