Indonesian Volcano Mount Ruang Erupts Again, Triggers Evacuations and Flight Cancellations
Indonesia’s Mount Ruang volcano has roared back to life, forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes and airlines to scrap flights as volcanic ash billows into the sky. The 725-meter volcano on Ruang Island in North Sulawesi has erupted intermittently since mid-April, but activity intensified this week.
On Tuesday, Mount Ruang unleashed a trio of eruptions, spewing lava and ash high into the atmosphere. This prompted Indonesia’s volcanology agency, PVMBG, to issue its highest alert level. The agency warned of a potential tsunami triggered by volcanic debris collapsing into the ocean.
According to Reuters, the danger zone lies just off the coast of the larger Tagulandang Island, where authorities have ordered the evacuation of over 12,000 people. Dramatic footage released by the National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB) showed throngs of evacuees gathering at ports amidst towering ash plumes.
Fearing for public safety, PVMBG heightened alert levels on Tuesday. They cautioned residents to wear protective masks and stay vigilant. The latest eruptions have also resulted in the closure of at least seven airports in the surrounding area, including the vital Sam Ratulangi International Airport serving Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi and a popular diving destination. BNPB has also shut down nearby schools to safeguard children from ash exposure.
Mount Ruang is classified as a stratovolcano, known for its conical shape and steep sides formed by viscous lava. Volcanologists explain that stratovolcanoes frequently erupt explosively due to trapped gas within the magma.
The volcanic ash cloud from Ruang has drifted into eastern Malaysian airspace, prompting Malaysia’s meteorological department to monitor the situation closely. They are prepared to issue aviation warnings if necessary.
AirAsia, a regional carrier, has canceled 21 flights due to Mount Ruang’s activity. “We are encouraging passengers traveling between Malaysia and Indonesia to check emails and phones for updates on cancellations,” the airline stated on Wednesday. They assured us they would continue monitoring the situation and pledged to provide further updates.
Malaysia Airlines, the national carrier, followed suit by issuing travel advisories and canceling flights in the affected region.
Indonesia, a Southeast Asian archipelago with a population of 270 million, sits on the Ring of Fire, a hotspot for volcanic activity. The country boasts the highest number of active volcanoes globally, exceeding 120.
Mount Ruang’s first act this year is different than this one. In April, the volcano disrupted air travel by grounding over 200 flights, impacting tens of thousands of passengers. Additionally, hundreds residing near the volcano were evacuated due to concerns of a partial collapse into the sea, potentially triggering a tsunami similar to the one in 1871.
The impact of Mount Ruang’s eruptions extends beyond immediate dangers. The tourism industry in North Sulawesi, particularly in Manado, will likely take a hit due to airport closures and ash clouds. Manado, known for its stunning diving sites and vibrant coral reefs, may see a dip in tourist arrivals as travelers avoid the region until the situation stabilizes.
The disruption to air travel also affects businesses and cargo movement, potentially causing economic ripples throughout the region. Recovery efforts will likely focus on supporting evacuees, mitigating ash hazards, and ensuring air travel safety before normalcy can resume in North Sulawesi.
