Tourists and residents in Indonesia were warned to stay outside of a 6km exclusion zone surrounding Mount Ruang as the volcano experienced multiple eruptions. More than 800 people were evacuated from Ruang to the nearby Tagulandang island after the initial eruption on Tuesday evening, with four more eruptions following on Wednesday. Authorities also issued a tsunami warning, advising residents in Tagulandang island to be on alert for potential danger.
Hendra Gunawan, head of Indonesia’s volcanology agency, emphasized the risks of incandescent rocks, hot clouds discharges, and potential tsunamis caused by the collapse of the volcano’s body into the sea. The memory of the 2018 eruption of Mount Anak Krakatoa, which triggered a devastating tsunami that killed hundreds of people, added to concerns about the situation at Mount Ruang. Indonesia, located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, is no stranger to seismic and volcanic activity as it sits along a tectonically active region.
The impact of Mount Ruang’s eruption resulted in the closure of Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado city, located over 100km from the volcano, for a 24-hour period until Thursday evening. This decision was made due to the spread of volcanic ash, which posed a risk to flight safety. The airport, a hub for flights to Singapore, South Korea, and China, had to halt operations causing disruption to travelers and airlines operating in the region.
The closure of the airport and the ongoing volcanic activity at Mount Ruang highlighted the vulnerability of the region to natural disasters. The potential threat of tsunamis, hot clouds discharges, and volcanic ash fallout underscores the importance of emergency preparedness and evacuation plans for communities living near active volcanoes. The Indonesian authorities are monitoring the situation closely and providing updates and guidance to ensure the safety of residents and tourists in the area.
The eruptions at Mount Ruang serve as a reminder of the unpredictable and dangerous nature of volcanic activity, especially in a geologically active region like Indonesia. The country’s history of devastating volcanic eruptions and tsunamis underscores the need for continuous monitoring and preparedness measures to mitigate the impact of natural disasters. As communities near Mount Ruang remain on alert, it is crucial for authorities to communicate timely information and evacuation procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of those living in the vicinity.
In conclusion, the volcanic eruptions at Mount Ruang in Indonesia have prompted evacuations, warnings of tsunamis, and the closure of a nearby international airport. The potential risks posed by volcanic activity in the region emphasize the importance of disaster preparedness and response measures to protect residents and tourists from harm. With Indonesia’s location along the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, continued monitoring and vigilance are essential to safeguard vulnerable communities from the impact of natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. Authorities must remain proactive and ensure that safety measures are in place to mitigate the effects of such events in the future.
