Volcanic Eruption of Mount Ruang Multiple Times in Indonesia

Indonesia, an archipelagic nation situated along the Pacific Ring of Fire, is no stranger to volcanic activity. On Tuesday, May 2, 2024, the remote Mount Ruang volcano in North Sulawesi province erupted multiple times, prompting authorities to issue the highest level of alert and order the evacuation of thousands of residents due to the potential threat of a tsunami.

The Eruption

1. Timing and Sequence of Events

• • The first eruption occurred around 01:15 am local time on Tuesday (1715 GMT Monday).
  • It was followed by two more eruptions later that morning, according to the volcanology agency.

2. Volcanic Activity

• • The eruptions sent a towering ash column more than five kilometers (3.1 miles) into the sky.
  • A fiery column of lava was also observed spewing from the crater.
  • Images released by the disaster agency depicted a molten red column bursting into the sky, a large ash cloud spilling from the crater, and burning embers near local houses.

3. Alert Level

• • In response to the eruptions, the country's Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation raised the alert status to the highest level.
  • Residents within a 6-km radius were urged to immediately evacuate due to the possibility of further "explosive eruptions."

Evacuation and Relocation Efforts

1. Estimated Number of Evacuees

• • The national disaster agency BNPB estimated that between 11,000 and 12,000 people needed to be relocated from the vicinity of Ruang's crater.

2. Evacuation Procedures

• • Local disaster mitigation agencies, military, and police were mobilized to evacuate residents from the affected areas.
  • Residents from the neighboring Tagulandang island were moved to the safer Siau island due to the tsunami warning.

3. Previous Evacuations

• • More than 800 people living on Ruang had been evacuated earlier in the month due to the volcano's eruptions.
  • Some had returned to their homes after the emergency response ended on Monday, but they were forced to evacuate once again following the latest eruptions.

Tsunami Threat

1. Volcanology Agency's Warning

• • The volcanology agency warned locals about "the potential for ejections of incandescent rocks, hot clouds, and tsunamis due to eruption material entering the sea."

2.  Historical Precedent

• • The tsunami fears were informed by the devastating 1871 event, where volcanic debris falling into the sea triggered a wave that claimed around 400 lives.
  • More recently, the 2018 eruption of Mount Anak Krakatoa caused a partial collapse of its crater, generating a tsunami that killed over 400 people and injured thousands.

3. Precautionary Measures

• • A seven-kilometer exclusion zone was established around Mount Ruang.
  • Residents on Tagulandang island were urged to stay away from coastal areas and be on alert for potential tsunami waves.

Impact on Air Travel

The eruptions of Mount Ruang prompted authorities to close Sam Ratulangi international airport in Manado, more than 100 kilometers away, due to the presence of volcanic ash. The airport was initially scheduled to remain closed until noon on Wednesday, May 3, 2024, but the situation was subject to change based on the volcano's activity.

Conclusion

The eruptions of Mount Ruang serve as a stark reminder of Indonesia's vulnerability to volcanic hazards. The prompt response from authorities, including the evacuation of residents and the establishment of safety zones, highlights the nation's preparedness in dealing with such natural disasters. As the situation continues to unfold, the safety of the affected communities remains the top priority, underscoring the need for ongoing vigilance and effective disaster management strategies in this volatile region.