Mount Ruang Eruptions Trigger Evacuations and Flight Cancellations in Indonesia
JAKARTA — The fiery eruptions from the remote Indonesian volcano, Mount Ruang, have caused chaos this week with fresh evacuation orders, flight cancellations, and airport closures. Smoke, lava, and volcanic gases continue to spew out of the mountain, creating a spectacle of destruction.
Volcanic Threat
Mount Ruang, a 725-meter (2,400-foot) volcano located on Ruang Island in North Sulawesi, has been erupting sporadically since mid-April, posing a growing threat to nearby residents and air traffic in the region. The volcano erupted three times on Tuesday alone, sending lava and ash clouds into the sky. Indonesia’s national PVMBG volcanology agency issued its highest alert, warning of a potential tsunami triggered by volcanic material collapsing into the ocean.
Evacuations and Closures
Authorities have called for the evacuation of over 12,000 people from Tagulandang island, where Mount Ruang is located. Footage released by the National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB) shows crowds of people awaiting evacuation at ports, with towering ash plumes in the background. The closure of at least seven airports, including the Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado, has disrupted air travel in the region.
Protective Measures
PVMBG has raised alert levels, warning of new eruptions and continuous earthquakes. Residents are advised to wear protective masks and exercise caution. Nearby schools have been closed to shield children from volcanic ash. Mount Ruang is a stratovolcano, known for its explosive eruptions caused by gas build-up in the magma.
Regional Impact
Volcanic ash from Mount Ruang has reached eastern Malaysian airspace, prompting monitoring and aviation weather warnings from Malaysia’s meteorological department. Air Asia and Malaysia Airlines have canceled flights in the affected areas, impacting travel between Malaysia and Indonesia.
Ring of Fire
Indonesia, with over 120 active volcanoes, sits along the volatile Ring of Fire. Mount Ruang’s previous eruption in April disrupted hundreds of flights and led to evacuations in fear of a potential tsunami. The ongoing eruptions continue to pose a threat to the region. – CNN
