Mount Ruang Erupts in Indonesia, Prompting Evacuations and Airport Closure

Mount Ruang, a volcano in Indonesia's North Sulawesi region, erupted on Friday, sending a plume of volcanic ash up to 70,000 feet into the atmosphere. The eruption prompted authorities to close the nearby Sam Ratulangi Airport and order the evacuation of over 11,000 people living within a 6-kilometer radius of the 725-meter mountain.

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) raised the alert level for Mount Ruang to the highest status, indicating an active eruption with the potential for further activity. Residents were warned of the dangers posed by spreading ash, falling rocks, hot volcanic clouds, and the possibility of a tsunami.

Why this matters: The eruption of Mount Ruang highlights the ongoing volcanic activity in Indonesia, which is located along the Pacific "Ring of Fire." The evacuation of thousands of residents and the closure of a major airport emphasize the significant effect that volcanic eruptions can have on local communities and transportation infrastructure.

Officials are particularly concerned about the risk of a partial collapse of the volcano into the sea, which could trigger a tsunami. A similar event occurred during the eruption of Mount Ruang in 1871. As a precautionary measure, residents of Tagulandang Island, located east of the volcano, were told to evacuate to the nearby city of Manado.

The eruption has caused damage to houses and buildings in the affected areas, with many roofs being broken by the volcanic debris. Communication disruptions have also been reported on parts of Ruang and Tagulandang islands, which are home to approximately 20,000 people.

PVMBG official Kristianto stated, "We are closely monitoring the activity of Mount Ruang and have deployed teams to assess the situation on the ground. The safety of the residents is our top priority, and we urge everyone to follow the evacuation orders and stay away from the exclusion zone around the crater."

Indonesia, an archipelago of 270 million people, is home to 127 active volcanoes, with many located along the "Ring of Fire," a seismically active zone known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The country's volcanology agency continues to monitor Mount Ruang and other active volcanoes to mitigate the risks posed by these natural hazards.

Key Takeaways

• Mount Ruang in Indonesia erupted on April 17, 2024, sending ash up to 70,000 feet.
• Over 11,000 people were evacuated within a 6-km radius of the 725-m mountain.
• The eruption closed Sam Ratulangi Airport and caused damage to houses and buildings.
• Officials are concerned about a potential partial collapse of the volcano into the sea.
• Indonesia has 127 active volcanoes, with many located along the "Ring of Fire".