Mount Ruang Eruption in Northern Indonesia Forces Evacuation of Thousands
The recent eruption of Mount Ruang in northern Indonesia has caused panic and uncertainty, leading to the evacuation of more than 11,000 residents in the surrounding areas. The volcano, located in North Sulawesi Province, unleashed multiple eruptions, sending ash and smoke billowing into the sky. This has prompted authorities to raise the alert level to four, the highest on the scale, and expand the exclusion zone to ensure the safety of the population.
Evacuation Efforts and Potential Risks
Initially, over 800 individuals were evacuated to Tagulandang Island, but with the widening exclusion zone, more residents are being relocated to Manado, the provincial capital. Officials have estimated that at least 11,615 people are at risk and need to evacuate to safer locations. There are concerns that a portion of the volcano could collapse into the sea, triggering a tsunami, similar to a past event in 1871.
Impact on Transportation and Aviation
The eruption of Mount Ruang has not only affected the local population but has also disrupted air travel in the region. Malaysia Airlines has suspended several flights to and from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Sabah and Sarawak due to the volcanic activity. The closure of Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado has been extended, posing a threat to flight safety. Additionally, flights to and from Kota Kinabalu International Airport in Malaysia have been significantly impacted.
Geological Activity and Historical Context
The heightened seismic activity at Mount Ruang, including recent earthquakes, has raised concerns about the volcano’s stability. Indonesia, known for its location along the ‘Ring of Fire,’ a region with numerous active volcanoes and tectonic fault lines, faces constant threats from geological events. The country has 120 active volcanoes, with past eruptions causing devastating consequences, such as the 2018 eruption of Anak Krakatoa, which triggered a deadly tsunami.
As authorities continue to monitor the situation at Mount Ruang, residents in the affected areas are urged to prioritize their safety and follow evacuation protocols. The eruption serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of volcanic activity and the need for preparedness in regions prone to such events.
Source: Al Jazeera and news agencies