Mount Ruang Eruption in Indonesia Prompts Evacuations and Airport Closures

Mount Ruang, an active volcano in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, erupted multiple times on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, spewing lava and ash more than 5 kilometers into the sky. The eruptions prompted authorities to issue evacuation orders for 12,843 residents to nearby islands and caused the closure of seven airports in the region.

The volcanic ash from Mount Ruang's eruptions reached as far as eastern Malaysia on the island of Borneo, according to Indonesia's meteorological agency. Authorities raised the alert level for the volcano to its highest status and urged locals to stay outside of a seven-kilometer exclusion zone around the crater.

Evacuation orders were issued due to concerns that parts of the volcano could slide into the sea and potentially trigger a tsunami. A rescue ship and warship were dispatched to help move thousands of people from the neighboring island of Tagulandang to Siau island. "The eruption was horrible, with rains of rocks," described 95-year-old resident Rosalin Salindeho.

The eruptions caused the closure of seven airports, including Sam Ratulangi International Airport in the provincial capital of Manado, located about 95 kilometers southeast of the volcano. Volcanic ash poses dangers to plane engines and has led to the cancellation of dozens of flights, affecting thousands of passengers.

Why this matters: Indonesia, located along the Pacific Ocean's "Ring of Fire," a series of seismic fault lines, is prone to frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. Mount Ruang's latest eruptions serve as a sobering reminder of the constant dangers faced by communities living in close proximity to active volcanoes and the importance of swift evacuation measures and emergency response plans to ensure public safety.

As of Wednesday, May 1, Mount Ruang was still emitting ash and smoke, with the alert level remaining at its highest. This marks the second time this month that the volcano has erupted, previously forcing the evacuation of hundreds of residents in mid-April. Authorities continue to closely monitor the situation and have relocated most of the 800 residents living on Ruang Island, where the 725-meter volcano is located, to the provincial capital of Manado.

Key Takeaways

• Mount Ruang volcano in Indonesia erupted multiple times on April 30, 2024.
• The eruptions prompted evacuation of 12,843 residents and closure of 7 airports.
• Volcanic ash reached eastern Malaysia, raising concerns about potential tsunami.
• Indonesia is prone to frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes due to its location.
• Mount Ruang was still emitting ash and smoke as of May 1, 2024.