Mount Ruang, a remote Indonesian volcano on Ruang Island, North Sulawesi, has sparked fresh evacuation orders and disrupted air travel with renewed eruptions this week. The eruptions, characterized by smoke, lava, and volcanic gases, have led to flight cancellations and airport closures, posing a significant threat to nearby residents and air traffic in the region.
The volcano, standing at 725 meters (2,400 feet), has been erupting sporadically since mid-April, intensifying the danger for those living nearby. On Tuesday alone, Mount Ruang erupted three times, sending ash clouds and lava into the sky. Indonesia’s national PVMBG volcanology agency issued its highest alert, warning of a potential tsunami triggered by volcanic material collapsing into the ocean.
Authorities on the larger Tagulandang island, near Ruang, have urged over 12,000 people to evacuate as a precautionary measure. Footage from the National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB) revealed crowded evacuation scenes and towering ash plumes, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
The volcanic activity has forced the closure of at least seven airports in the vicinity, including the Sam Ratulangi International Airport serving Manado, a prominent scuba diving destination. Schools nearby have also closed to protect children from volcanic ash. Mount Ruang’s stratovolcano nature, known for explosive eruptions due to gas build-up, adds to the complexity of managing the crisis.
The impact of Mount Ruang’s eruptions has extended beyond Indonesia, with volcanic ash reaching eastern Malaysian airspace. Regional airlines like Air Asia and Malaysia Airlines have canceled flights, affecting travel between Malaysia and Indonesia. The ongoing volcanic activity highlights Indonesia’s position along the Ring of Fire, with over 120 active volcanoes, presenting continuous challenges for safety and disaster management in the region.