Mount Ruang Erupts in Indonesia, Forcing Evacuation of Thousands

Mount Ruang volcanoin North Sulawesi, Indonesia erupted on Tuesday, prompting evacuation orders for over 12,000 people due to the potential tsunami threat from volcanic debris. The eruption damaged homes on Tagulandang island, including Antelmus Paulus' zinc-roofed house located about 7 km (4.35 miles) from the 725-meter (2,378.61 ft) high volcano.

Why this matters: The eruption of Mount Ruang highlights the ongoing threat of natural disasters in Indonesia, which is prone to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes due to its location on the Pacific "Ring of Fire". The government's response to this crisis, including thepermanently, people relocation of thousands of residents, will have significant implications for disaster management and mitigation strategies in the region.

Antelmus described the eruption, saying, "There were rocks that were spewed (from the volcano), it lasted at least three hours... I have no place to live now." eruption, continues, efforts, residents The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) warned of a potential tsunami triggered by volcanic material collapsing into the ocean.

As of Thursday afternoon, 3,364 people had been evacuated from Tagulandang island, with more than 5,000 inhabitants remaining. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) expects the remaining residents to be evacuated within the next three days. A state of emergency, effective until May 14, has been declared by the local government to facilitate aid access.

The Indonesian government has announced plans topermanently, peoplerelocate nearly 10,000 residents from Ruang island due to the ongoing eruptions and concerns about future dangers of residing on the island. Hundreds of "simple but permanent" homes will be built in the Bolaang Mongondow area, about 200 km from Ruang island, to facilitate the relocations. "As instructed by President Joko Widodo, we will build houses that meet disaster-standards,"saidencoordinating human development minister Muhadjir Effendy.

Mount Ruang began to dramatically erupt last month, triggered by increased seismic activity, including deep sea earthquakes. The volcano erupted again on Tuesday, causing damage to some homes and forcingresidents, safetyto evacuate from Tagulandang island to the provincial capital of Manado. Roads and buildings on Tagulandang were blanketed in a thick layer of volcanic ash, and the roofs of some homes had collapsed. Manado's Sam Ratulangi Airport remained closed until the evening due to the spread of volcanic ash.

Indonesia is prone to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes due to its location on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" — a series of fault lines stretching from the western coasts of the Americas through Japan and Southeast Asia. Ruang is among about 130 active volcanoes in Indonesia. The ongoing eruptions have forced thousands to evacuate and damaged homes, with the government now planning topermanently, peoplerelocate residents to safer areas to mitigate future risks.

Key Takeaways

• Mount Ruang volcano in Indonesia erupts, prompting evacuation of 12,000 people.
• Eruption damages homes on Tagulandang island, with 3,364 people evacuated so far.
• Government plans to permanently relocate nearly 10,000 residents to safer areas.
• Indonesia is prone to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes due to its location on the "Ring of Fire".
• Ruang is one of 130 active volcanoes in Indonesia, highlighting ongoing natural disaster risks.