Tsunami alert issued following multiple volcano eruptions in Indonesia
Authorities in Indonesia on Wednesday put the country on high alert following a series of eruptions from Mount Ruang, a volcano located on the remote Ruang Island in North Sulawesi. According to the Indonesian volcanology agency, the 725m volcano has erupted at least five times since Tuesday night. These eruptions have propelled lava and ash thousands of feet into the sky, leaving authorities worried that a part of Mount Ruang might collapse and fall into the sea, triggering a Tsunami.
Why does this story matter?
Indonesia, a Southeast Asian nation with over 120 active volcanoes, is located along the Ring of Fire—a seismic fault line encircling the Pacific Ocean. The current tsunami warning has led to the evacuation of more than 11,000 people across various regions of Indonesia. In response to the ongoing eruptions, local authorities have also closed the Indonesian airport and are transporting residents to Manado, Sulawesi Island's closest city.
Highest alert level issued amid tsunami fears
In light of the ongoing warning, authorities have ordered hundreds of villagers to evacuate. Gunawan, the head of the volcanology agency, has urged individuals to maintain a safe distance of at least 6km from the peak. This warning is due to concerns that Mount Ruang might partially collapse into the sea and trigger a Tsunami, mirroring an event that occurred in 1871. Gunawan attributes these eruptions to recent seismic activity in the region.
Residents evacuated, no casualties reported
Mount Ruang, a stratovolcano known for its explosive eruptions caused by gas build-up in magma, has been captured in videos showing gray ash clouds and streams of glowing lava. The approximately 800 inhabitants of Ruang Island have been temporarily relocated to nearby Tagulandang Island following official directives. Despite the dramatic circumstances surrounding these eruptions, no injuries or fatalities have been reported so far.
