Mount Ruang, a 725-meter volcano located on Ruang Island in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, has been experiencing renewed eruptions since mid-April, causing significant disruptions in the region. The volcano erupted three times on Tuesday, emitting lava and ash clouds into the sky and leading to the issuance of the highest alert by Indonesia's national PVMBG volcanology agency.
Authorities have called for the evacuation of more than 12,000 people from Tagulandang island, located near Mount Ruang, due to the escalating threat posed by the volcanic activity. The National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB) released footage showing large crowds awaiting evacuation at ports amidst towering ash plumes.
The ongoing eruptions have forced the closure of at least seven airports in the vicinity, including the Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado, a popular scuba diving destination. Schools in the area have also been shut down to protect children from volcanic ash exposure.
Mount Ruang is classified as a stratovolcano, known for its steep-sided conical shape and tendency to produce explosive eruptions due to gas build-up in the magma. The volcanic ash from Mount Ruang has even reached eastern Malaysian airspace, prompting monitoring and aviation weather warnings by Malaysia's meteorological department.
Regional carriers like Air Asia and Malaysia Airlines have canceled multiple flights in response to the volcanic activity, affecting travel between Malaysia and Indonesia. Passengers are advised to stay updated on flight cancelations and travel advisories as the situation unfolds.
Indonesia, situated along the Ring of Fire, is home to over 120 active volcanoes, making it one of the most seismically active regions in the world. Mount Ruang's previous eruption in April had already caused significant disruptions, with hundreds evacuated from the area amid fears of a potential tsunami.
