Indonesian Volcano Eruptions Prompt Closure of Multiple Airports, Ash Reaches Malaysia

The Mount Ruang volcano eruption in Indonesia erupted three times on April 30, 2024, forcing the evacuation of around 12,000 people and the closure of seven airports. The eruptions sent a tower of ash more than 5 kilometers into the sky, prompting authorities to reinstate a 6-kilometer exclusion zone around the volcano and issue warnings about the risks of glowing rock projectiles, pyroclastic flows, and potential tsunamis due to the possibility of crater collapse.

The eruptions led to the closure of Sam Ratulangi Airport in Manado and Djalaludin Airport in Gorontalo, over 100 kilometers away, due to the volcanic ash. Authorities dispatched a rescue ship and a warship to help evacuate thousands of people from the neighboring Tagulandang island to Siau island due to fears of a potential tsunami caused by parts of the volcano spewing ash and debris.

Why this matters: The eruption of Mount Ruang highlights the ongoing risks posed by Indonesia's numerous active volcanoes. As one of the most seismically active countries in the world, located along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," Indonesia regularly experiences volcanic eruptions and earthquakes that can have devastating impacts on local communities and disrupt travel and economic activity across the region.

The volcanic ash from the eruption spread as far as eastern Malaysia on Borneo island, according to the country's meteorological agency. The alert level for the volcano remains at its highest, and locals have been advised to stay outside of a 7-kilometer exclusion zone. "The alert status for the Ruang volcano has been raised to level IV or 'Watch', the highest level," said a spokesperson for the Volcanological Survey of Indonesia.

Authorities are urging people on Tagulandang island to stay away from coastal areas due to the potential for a tsunami, citing a previous incident in 1871 where a wave killed around 400 people after volcanic debris fell into the sea. The tsunami fears were informed by the 2018 collapse of the Gunung Anak Krakatoa crater, which triggered a deadly tsunami.

The Mount Ruang volcano eruption video, located in North Sulawesi province, is one of Indonesia's 147 active volcanoes. The 725-meter volcano had previously erupted in 2002, forcing thousands to evacuate. Experts are closely monitoring the situation and have warned that further explosive eruptions are possible in the coming days and weeks.

Key Takeaways

• Mount Ruang volcano in Indonesia erupted 3 times on April 30, 2024.
• Eruption forced evacuation of 12,000 people and closure of 7 airports.
• Ash plume reached 5 km, prompting exclusion zone and tsunami warnings.
• Volcanic ash spread to eastern Malaysia, alert level remains highest.
• Authorities monitoring for potential further explosive eruptions in coming weeks.