Mount Ruang Erupts
Mount Ruang, a highly active volcano on a remote island of North Sulawesi province in Indonesia, has erupted again, spewing thick ash high into the atmosphere and posing a significant threat to surrounding areas. Authorities have raised the alert level to the highest possible category, and over 11,000 people have been evacuated from the danger zone.
The eruptions have forced the closure of Sam Ratulangi International Airport in nearby Manado, disrupting flights. The ash clouds pose a significant risk to aviation safety. Additionally, scientists warn that there’s a potential for part of the volcano to collapse into the sea, which could trigger a dangerous tsunami as occurred during a previous eruption in 1871.
Residents on the island of Tagulandang, located northeast of Ruang, are among those most at risk and are being prioritized for evacuation. They face the potential for heavy ashfall, toxic gases, and the possibility of a tsunami if a section of the volcano collapses.
Mount Ruang has a history of major eruptions. In 2002, a large eruption sent ash 20 kilometers into the sky, with pyroclastic flows damaging areas nearly two kilometers away from the volcano. Indonesia sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, a seismically active region, and is home to roughly 120 active volcanoes.
Indonesian authorities are working diligently to relocate the evacuees to Manado, the nearest city on Sulawesi island. Residents and tourists are urgently advised to stay at least six kilometers away from Mount Ruang and to follow safety instructions from local authorities.
The situation remains volatile. Indonesia’s geological agency is closely monitoring Mount Ruang’s activity for any further eruptions or signs of increased instability. International organizations and scientists are also keeping a careful eye on the volcano’s behavior.
Latest Updates: April 19
The situation remains extremely volatile. Ruang (at this time) exhibits ongoing low-level eruptive activity characterized by the emission of small, white/gray ash plumes reaching 50 to 800 meters above the peak. Continued seismic activity and the presence of a shallow magma body indicate a high potential for further eruptions. The possibility of a flank collapse, which could generate a local tsunami and major pyroclastic flow risks remains. Alert Level IV RED is in place.
The situation on the ground is dynamic. For the most current information, please consult official sources:
- Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency
- Indonesia’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation