Mount Ruang – Indonesian Volcano Erupts Again

April 20, 2024

Mount Ruang, a remote volcano located in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi region, erupted recently, sending a plume of ash 400 meters (1,312 feet) above the peak. This eruption followed several others, which forced thousands of residents to evacuate as molten rocks rained down on their villages. The volcano started erupting stirring a mix of lava, ash columns, and volcanic lightning. More than 6,000 residents of the neighboring Tagulandang island were evacuated to the side of the island facing away from the crater. Authorities had hoped to evacuate a total of 11,000 people from the exclusion zone. Mount Ruang’s last major eruption occurred in 2002, which also led to the evacuation of residents.

Volcanic Activity and Warnings

Indonesia’s volcanology agency warned that the volcanic activity at Mount Ruang remained high, with potential dangers including flying rocks, hot clouds, and lava flows.
The agency advised all residents to wear masks to prevent respiratory issues.
The alert level maintained the exclusion zone around the crater and included warnings about further eruptions and the possibility of parts of the volcano collapsing into the sea, potentially causing a tsunami.

Impact on Local Communities

The eruptions caused significant disruptions to the local communities.
Houses were left empty, and electricity was cut off in parts of the affected islands.
Communications were also knocked out in some areas of both Ruang and Tagulandang islands. Residents pleaded for assistance, particularly tarpaulins to cover damaged roofs.
The nearby international airport in Manado city, more than 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the crater.

Indonesia’s Volcanic Activity

Indonesia is a vast archipelago nation, experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” The country is home to numerous active volcanoes, and eruptions are not uncommon. The crater of Mount Anak Krakatoa, located between Java and Sumatra islands, partially collapsed during a major eruption, triggering a tsunami that killed more than 400 people and injured thousands.

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