Indonesian authorities have issued evacuation orders for hundreds of villagers following multiple eruptions of Mount Ruang, a remote island volcano located in North Sulawesi. The 725-meter conical stratovolcano has erupted at least five times since Tuesday night, spewing fiery lava and ash plumes thousands of feet into the sky, according to the country's volcanology agency.
Officials have raised the volcano alert to the highest level, warning people to stay at least 6 kilometers away from the peak due to concerns that Mount Ruang could potentially collapse into the sea and trigger a tsunami, similar to an event in 1871. The eruptions, which were reportedly triggered by recent earthquakes in the area, have emitted hot clouds reaching approximately 1.7 kilometers.
Dramatic footage of the eruptions shows plumes of gray ash billowing into the sky and streams of glowing lava flowing down the mountain, accompanied by lightning strikes. Villagers on Ruang Island, home to about 800 residents, have been evacuated to neighboring Tagulandang Island as a precautionary measure. Authorities have advised residents on Tagulandang to watch out for falling incandescent rocks and hot cloud surges.
Fortunately, no casualties have been reported thus far. Indonesia, known for its high volcanic activity, is home to over 120 active volcanoes, making it one of the most seismically active regions in the world. The country sits along the Ring of Fire, a major tectonic plate boundary in the Pacific Ocean.
In 2018, the eruption of Anak Krakatau, another Indonesian volcano, led to its collapse into the sea, triggering a devastating tsunami that claimed the lives of more than 400 people. The ongoing situation at Mount Ruang serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of volcanic activity and the importance of preparedness and swift response in safeguarding lives and property.
