Indonesia faced a critical situation as multiple eruptions of the Ruang mountain volcano prompted authorities to issue a tsunami alert and evacuate over 11,000 people from at-risk areas. This sudden volcanic activity in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi Province has raised concerns about potential hazards and the safety of nearby residents.
Key Points of the Volcanic Activity:
- The eruption of Mount Ruang occurred multiple times on Wednesday, leading to the highest level of alert being raised by authorities. The volcano released lava and ash, reaching significant heights in the sky.
- Mount Ruang, known for its volcanic activity, began erupting on Tuesday night and continued with four additional eruptions throughout Wednesday, creating a tense situation for nearby communities.
- Authorities advised people to maintain a safe distance of at least 6 kilometers from the 725-meter-high Ruang volcano. This precautionary measure aimed to protect individuals from potential hazards caused by volcanic debris and ashfall.
- The eruption triggered a tsunami alert, necessitating the evacuation of 11,000 residents. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency relocated these individuals to Manado, the nearest city on Sulawesi island, ensuring their safety amid the ongoing volcanic activity.
- Indonesia’s geography, with 120 active volcanoes and its location along the “Ring of Fire,” makes it susceptible to volcanic eruptions and seismic activities, highlighting the need for preparedness and rapid response measures.
- While there are no reported casualties or injuries yet, authorities evacuated two villages on Ruang Island as a precautionary measure to mitigate potential risks.
- The volcano agency’s statement emphasized the need for vigilance regarding potential hazards such as rock ejections, hot cloud discharges, and tsunamis resulting from volcanic activity or collapses into the sea.
- Recent seismic events, including earthquakes, contributed to the heightened volcanic activity in Mount Ruang, prompting authorities to upgrade the volcano’s alert level from Level 3 to Level 4.
- Hendra Gunawan, head of Indonesia’s volcanology agency, highlighted the increased volcanic activity and the necessity of clearing the island to prevent further risks and potential eruptions.
- Strict safety measures, including a 4 km exclusion zone around the eruption site, have been implemented to safeguard individuals and prevent any unauthorized activity near the volcano.
The volcanic eruptions in Indonesia serve as a stark reminder of the country’s susceptibility to natural disasters and the importance of effective disaster preparedness and response strategies. Authorities remain vigilant as they monitor the situation to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in affected areas.
Sources By Agencies
