Thousands of residents were evacuated from the Ruang and Tagulandang islands in Indonesia after a volcanic eruption occurred on Thursday. The eruption caused widespread damage, with houses left empty and electricity knocked out in parts of the island. Residents like Sahid Samihing, a 53-year-old father-of-three from Tagulandang, expressed fear that their belongings would be ruined by the volcanic rocks that peppered their roofs. The situation was described as terrifying, with residents fearing for their safety and the safety of their homes.
More than 6,000 residents of Tagulandang were evacuated to the other side of the island to escape the danger posed by the eruption. Authorities hoped to evacuate a total of 11,000 people from the exclusion zone surrounding the volcano. Evacuees took cover in makeshift shelters at churches and school buildings as they waited for further updates on the situation. The closure of a nearby international airport in Manado city was extended, further disrupting travel in the region.
The alert level remained high, with the exclusion zone around the crater upheld and warnings issued about potential further eruptions and the possibility of parts of the volcano collapsing into the sea. Such an event could cause a tsunami, adding to the dangers posed by the volcano. Past eruptions in Indonesia have had devastating consequences, such as the 2018 eruption of Mount Anak Krakatoa, which triggered a tsunami that killed hundreds and injured thousands. Mount Ruang’s last major eruption was in 2002, which required the evacuation of residents at that time as well.
Indonesia is no stranger to seismic and volcanic activity, given its location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”. This volatile region is prone to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis, with Indonesia facing the brunt of these natural disasters. The government and disaster management agencies are working diligently to protect residents from the dangers posed by these events, handling evacuations and ensuring public safety. Efforts are focused on responding swiftly to emergencies and minimizing the impact on communities affected by volcanic eruptions and other natural disasters in the region.
As the situation in Ruang and Tagulandang islands unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of the evacuated residents and managing the impact of the volcanic eruption on the communities affected. The resilience of the Indonesian people in the face of such natural disasters is evident in their ability to come together and support one another during times of crisis. The government’s response and efforts to mitigate the risks associated with volcanic eruptions and other natural disasters are crucial in safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of those living in vulnerable areas. The ongoing monitoring and management of volcanic activity in Indonesia are essential in preventing further loss of life and property damage.
