Indonesia`s Ruang volcano roared to life on Tuesday, painting the sky with streaks of lightning as it belched out rivers of lava, triggering a massive evacuation effort for over 12,000 residents on a nearby island.
The eruption, which saw fiery plumes shooting high into the air, prompted the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) to raise the alert status, warning of potential tsunamis caused by collapsing volcanic material into the ocean. This alarm, sounded on Tuesday morning, remains in effect as of the latest reports.
In response to the heightened threat, authorities swiftly relocated all 843 inhabitants of Ruang island to Manado, the bustling capital of North Sulawesi province, while residents of Tagulandang island are being transferred to Siau island further north.
This eruption comes hot on the heels of a series of volcanic activities earlier in the month, which necessitated hundreds to flee and even led to the closure of Manado`s airport. Footage released by Indonesia`s disaster agency captured the awe-inspiring spectacle of lightning dancing above Ruang`s crater, accompanied by cascades of molten rock and ash raining down on the surrounding landscape.
The eruption column soared to a staggering 5 kilometers (3.1 miles), prompting urgent warnings from the volcanology agency for those within a 7-kilometer radius to evacuate immediately, amid fears of further explosive outbursts.
Situated approximately 100 kilometers from Manado, Ruang island has been experiencing heightened seismic activity and deep volcanic tremors, signaling the impending eruption.
As a precautionary measure, authorities shuttered Sam Ratulangi airport in Manado, citing concerns over volcanic ash dispersion. The closure, announced via the airport operator`s Instagram post, is expected to last until noon on Wednesday, according to the transport ministry.
With the status level raised to level 4, Indonesia finds itself once again grappling with the volatile nature of the "Pacific Ring of Fire," where the convergence of tectonic plates fosters intense seismic activity, reminding us of the ever-present threat posed by nature`s fury.
