Mount Ruang Volcano Eruption in Tagulandang, Indonesia
Indonesian authorities are on high alert following multiple eruptions of Mount Ruang, a remote island volcano that led to the evacuation of thousands of residents. The volcanic activity, which began late Tuesday, included fiery orange lava flows, a towering ash column, and volcanic lightning.
Current Situation
Mount Ruang erupted nearly half a dozen times within a span of 24 hours, prompting officials to maintain the highest alert level for volcanic activity. While the volcano has shown signs of calming down, authorities remain vigilant for any potential escalation.
Cleanup Efforts
Residents of Tagulandang island have started clearing volcanic debris from their villages, with the assistance of soldiers and police officers. The cleanup efforts have been focused on removing volcanic material from the harbor and residential areas.
Some residents shared their experiences of panic and evacuation during the eruption, highlighting the urgent need for assistance in repairing damaged roofs and restoring essential services.
Evacuation and Assistance
Over 6,000 residents of Tagulandang have been evacuated to safer areas away from the volcano, with plans to relocate more individuals from the exclusion zone. The closure of a nearby international airport in Manado city has been extended as a precautionary measure.
Authorities have enforced a 6-kilometer exclusion zone around the crater and issued warnings about potential further eruptions and the risk of volcanic collapse into the sea, which could trigger a tsunami.
Geological Context
Indonesia, known for its frequent seismic and volcanic activity, sits within the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region prone to tectonic movements and volcanic eruptions. The recent events at Mount Ruang serve as a reminder of the country’s geological vulnerability.