The eruption of Mount Ruang in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi Province on April 30 has prompted the evacuation of more than 12,000 locals living within a 6-kilometer radius. The volcano, which lies in Sangihe Island, has been particularly active since the first half of April, culminating in a powerful eruption on April 16. Footage of the eruption shows a massive column of ash rising more than 16,000 feet into the air, with lava raining down and lightning crackling around it due to static electricity generated by colliding ash particles.
The eruption on Tuesday was larger than previous ones and possibly the most powerful since 1871, according to Bejo Prabowo, who heads the Indonesian organization Infomitigation. The ash and volcanic rock spewed out by Mount Ruang have caused damage to crops, hundreds of houses, and other buildings. The eruption also led to poor flight conditions, causing Sam Ratulangi Airport in Manado to suspend flights for the day. Despite the destruction caused by the eruption, no casualties have been reported.
Mount Ruang is one of more than 120 active volcanoes in Indonesia, which is located within the Ring of Fire, an area in the Pacific Ocean basin known for frequent earthquakes and eruptions due to tectonic plate movement. Stratovolcanoes like Mount Ruang are characterized by steep-sided, symmetrical cones formed by thick, sticky lava that creates conditions for high gas pressure, leading to explosive eruptions. This type of volcano is similar to Washington state’s Mount St. Helens, which famously erupted in 1980.
The eruption of Mount Ruang has led to concerns about dangerous ash surges, pyroclastic flows, landslides, and the risk of a tsunami if part of the mountain collapses into the sea. More than 12,000 locals have been evacuated from the area, including those on Ruang Island and nearby Tagulandang Island. The eruptions over the past few weeks have caused significant damage to the surrounding area, with ash and volcanic rock damaging crops, houses, and buildings.
The eruption of Mount Ruang highlights the ongoing risk posed by active volcanoes in Indonesia and the need for effective disaster mitigation measures. The footage of the eruption shared by netizens shows the explosive intensity of the event, with lava and ash spewing into the air. The Indonesian government, along with organizations like Infomitigation, is working to monitor the situation and provide support to those affected by the eruption. The volcano’s activity serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared for such events in volcanic regions like Indonesia.
