Indonesia Mount Ruang’s eruptions on Thursday triggered swift action from Indonesian rescuers, leading to the evacuation of thousands amid fears of a tsunami. The volcano, situated in Indonesia’s outermost region, unleashed dramatic displays of lava and lightning bolts overnight, following four eruptions the previous day.
- As volcanic activity intensified, authorities took action by shutting down the nearest international airport in Manado City on Sulawesi Island for 24 hours. To ensure the safety of residents, evacuation efforts are in progress to move around 11,000 people from the vicinity, including Tagulandang, a remote island with approximately 20,000 inhabitants.
- The escalating situation has caused panic among residents, underscoring the importance of swift evacuation efforts. With over 800 individuals already moved to safety, authorities are extending the evacuation zone in response to the heightened alert status issued by the volcanology agency.
- The closure of Manado airport has caused travel disruptions, leading Air Asia to cancel flights to nine airports in East Malaysia and Brunei as a precautionary step against possible ash showers from the eruption.
- Officials have raised further concerns, cautioning about the potential for a tsunami if sections of the mountain collapse into the ocean below. Historical reports highlight a previous eruption of Mount Ruang in 1871, which resulted in a tsunami claiming the lives of around 400 people.