Tsunami Alert in Indonesia as Volcano Erupts on Remote Island
Authorities in Indonesia have issued a tsunami alert after a series of volcanic eruptions on a remote island, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of villagers. Concerns are mounting that the volcano may collapse into the sea, potentially leading to a tsunami threat.
Indonesian authorities have instructed hundreds of villagers to leave their homes due to several eruptions of a volcano on a remote island. There are concerns that the volcano, Mount Ruang, on Ruang Island in North Sulawesi, could collapse into the sea and cause a tsunami. The volcano, which stands at 725 meters (2,400 feet), has erupted five times since Tuesday night. It has been spewing fiery lava and ash plumes into the sky, reaching thousands of feet high, according to the country's volcanology agency.
Agency chief Hendra Gunawan announced that the volcano alert for Mount Ruang has been elevated to the highest level. People are advised to stay at least 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) away from the peak. This precaution is due to concerns that the volcano could potentially collapse into the water, triggering a tsunami similar to the one in 1871.
Mount Ruang spewed hot lava and ash columns into the night sky on April 17, 2024, as seen from Sitaro, North Sulawesi.
Mount Ruang spewed hot lava and ash columns into the night sky on April 17, 2024, as seen from Sitaro, North Sulawesi.
Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation/AFP/Getty Images
Mount Ruang's eruption is intensifying, with hot clouds reaching approximately 1.7 kilometers, according to a statement made to the national news agency Antara. The eruptions were reportedly triggered by recent earthquakes in the area.
Videos capturing the dramatic eruptions depict gray ash plumes soaring into the sky and streams of glowing lava cascading down the mountain, accompanied by lightning strikes. There are also images showing villagers being evacuated from the area.
Authorities have stated that the approximately 800 residents of Ruang Island have been temporarily moved to Tagulandang Island. Officials have issued a warning for people on Tagulandang to be cautious of falling incandescent rocks and hot cloud surges. So far, there have been no reports of any casualties.
Indonesia, with a population of 270 million people, is an archipelago in Southeast Asia known for its over 120 active volcanoes. This is the highest number of active volcanoes in any country worldwide. The country is located along the Ring of Fire, a 25,000-mile arc of seismic fault lines surrounding the Pacific Ocean.
In 2018, the eruption of Anak Krakatau in Indonesia caused it to collapse into the sea. This event triggered a tsunami that hit the shores of Java and Sumatra islands, resulting in the tragic loss of over 400 lives.
Editor's P/S:
The ongoing eruptions of Mount Ruang in Indonesia have sparked a sense of urgency and concern. The potential for a tsunami, similar to the devastating event in 1871, has prompted authorities to evacuate hundreds of villagers from their homes. The volcanic activity, including fiery lava and towering ash plumes, is a stark reminder of Indonesia's vulnerability to natural disasters.
With over 120 active volcanoes, Indonesia's location along the Ring of Fire poses significant risks to its population. The 2018 Anak Krakatau eruption and subsequent tsunami highlight the need for robust disaster preparedness and mitigation measures. The evacuation of Ruang Island residents is a crucial step in safeguarding lives, but it also raises questions about long-term solutions for communities living in proximity to active volcanoes.
