Indonesia heightens alert as Mount Ruang spews ash and lava, disrupting flights and raising tsunami fears

Mount Ruang, an active volcano located in North Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, has erupted multiple times since Tuesday night, prompting the evacuation of over 11,000 residents due to heightened volcanic activity. The eruptions began at 9:45 PM local time, sending vast clouds of ash and smoke over two kilometres into the sky, severely disrupting air travel and raising alarms over potential tsunamis.

The Indonesian volcanology agency has raised the alert level to four, the highest possible, indicating imminent danger. Consequently, the exclusion zone around Ruang’s crater was extended from four to six kilometres. Initially, over 800 people were moved to Tagulandang Island, further north, but as the situation worsened, additional evacuations were directed towards the provincial capital, Manado.

Abdul Muhari, head of the disaster agency’s data and communication center, emphasized the urgency of the evacuations, citing significant risks to those within the newly designated danger zone. The local authorities are preparing for a possible catastrophic event, reminiscent of the 1871 eruption when part of the volcano collapsed into the sea, triggering a destructive tsunami.

Aviation has been notably affected, with Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado closing to ensure the safety of flights due to the spread of volcanic ash, which poses a severe risk to aircraft. This disruption extends to Kota Kinabalu International Airport in Malaysia, impacting flights and travel plans across the region.

Muhammad Wafid, head of Indonesia’s geological agency, reported that the initial eruptions sent ash columns up to 2.5 kilometers high. The continuing volcanic activity is a concern not only locally but also for the broader region, given the extensive travel connections affected, including those to China, Singapore, and South Korea.

Indonesia, located on the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’, is prone to volcanic activity and earthquakes due to its position on multiple tectonic plates. This geographical setting explains why the country has 120 active volcanoes, including the infamous Anak Krakatoa, whose 2018 eruption triggered a deadly tsunami.

As Mount Ruang continues to erupt, the situation remains fluid, with authorities on high alert for any changes in volcanic activity that could further endanger lives or property.