Jakarta, Indonesia — The Ruang volcano, located on a remote island in Indonesia’s North Sulawesi province, erupted dramatically on Wednesday, spewing columns of lava, incandescent rocks, and ash up to three kilometers into the sky. The eruption has prompted authorities to declare the highest alert level, evacuate hundreds of residents, and close the provincial airport in Manado.
The violent eruption was accompanied by purple flashes of lightning illuminating the night sky, as captured in videos circulating on social media. One eyewitness, recording the event while evacuating, exclaimed, “We’re running, guys. We are escaping because the ash is coming close.”
Over 800 people have been evacuated from the immediate vicinity of the volcano, with officials expanding the evacuation zone to six kilometers following a rapid escalation in volcanic activity. “The potential for further eruption is still high, so we need to remain alert,” cautioned Heruningtyas Desi Purnamasari, an official from the volcanology agency.
Reports indicate that falling rocks and ash have damaged homes and forced a nearby hospital to evacuate patients. The disaster mitigation agency’s spokesperson, Abdul Muhari, stated that approximately 1,500 residents in high-risk areas require immediate evacuation, with nearly 12,000 others potentially affected.
In response to the eruption, transport authorities have closed Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado to safeguard against ash showers. Budget airline AirAsia has canceled flights operating in nine airports across East Malaysia and Brunei after aviation authorities issued safety warnings.
Evacuation efforts have extended to the neighboring island of Tagulandang, as officials work diligently to move residents to safety. “We are continuing to evacuate more residents to ensure their safety,” added Muhari.
Indonesia, situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is prone to volcanic eruptions and seismic activity due to its position along major tectonic plate boundaries. The eruption of Ruang volcano serves as a stark reminder of the volatile natural forces at play in the region.
Authorities urge residents and travelers to stay informed through official channels and heed all safety instructions as the situation develops.
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Indonesian volcano eruption forces evacuations, airport closure
cgtn.com
