Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province has been thrown into chaos as the Ruang volcano continues its days-long eruption. Hundreds of people have been evacuated from their homes, while the volcano’s ash fills the sky with a menacing red hue.
The National Agency for Disaster Countermeasures, BNPB, released a statement on Wednesday, announcing that the volcanic activity has intensified, leading to the rise of the alert level to three – the second-highest in their monitoring system. In the statement, BNPB also shared a video showing spectacular footage of the volcano erupting, with lightning flashing within the red clouds of ash. The agency also reported volcanic ash rain, increasing the risk of respiratory problems for those in the affected area.
As a precautionary measure, 828 people have been evacuated from the vicinity of the volcano. They have been transported to nearby areas, with many boarding ferries in search of safer ground. BNPB’s statement urged locals to remain calm and continue their daily activities as usual but also advised them to stay at least 2.5 miles away from the active crater, where the volcano is spewing glowing red lava.
The latest eruption occurred on Wednesday morning, according to MAGMA Indonesia, a monitoring agency responsible for geohazard mitigation and assessment in Indonesia. The agency reported that the situation is constantly evolving, with volcanic activity on the rise. In total, 373 deep volcanic earthquakes and one local tectonic earthquake have been recorded in the area, further increasing concerns about the potential for a major eruption.
Terjadi Peningkatan Aktivitas Gunung Api Ruang dari Level II (WASPADA) menjadi Level III (SIAGA) di Kabupaten Sitaro, Provinsi Sulawesi Utara. Peningkatan status level itu terhitung mulai tanggal 16 April 2024 pukul 16.00 WITA. pic.twitter.com/Ht1BSqOb26
— BNPB Indonesia (@BNPB_Indonesia) April 17, 2024
On Tuesday, VONA (Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation) issued a warning with an orange-colored aviation code. This code indicates a potential eruption or heightened unrest at the volcano. The agency reported that the volcano is still emitting ash, and rumbling sounds were heard from the Ruang Volcano Observatory.
Situated on the southernmost point of the Sangihe Island arc, Ruang is a stratovolcano, which has a history of explosive eruptions and lava dome formations. These eruptions are often accompanied by pyroclastic flows, causing damage to nearby inhabited areas. The Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Program estimates that the last major eruption occurred in 1808.
Indonesia is located along the “Ring of Fire,” a highly active seismic zone that stretches from New Zealand to Indonesia, known for its frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. In December, more than 20 people lost their lives in Indonesia after a sudden eruption at Mount Marapi on the island of Sumatra.
The Ruang volcano’s eruption has disrupted the lives of hundreds of people and raised concerns about the potential for further damage. As the situation continues to evolve, authorities and monitoring agencies are closely monitoring the volcano’s activity and advising locals to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols. Meanwhile, residents in surrounding areas are being advised to wear masks to protect themselves from the ashfall and to stay away from the active crater.
