Mount Ruang eruption triggers evacuations and airport closure

Mount Ruang, located in Indonesia's outermost region, has erupted five times, leading to the evacuation of thousands of residents and the closure of a nearby airport. The volcano's activity has raised concerns about falling debris potentially causing a tsunami, prompting authorities to raise the alert level to the highest tier.

Authorities are working to evacuate 11,000 residents from the area, including the remote island of Tagulandang, home to around 20,000 people. Residents have been urged to stay outside a six-kilometre exclusion zone as the volcano continues to emit smoke and ash.

The eruption has also forced the closure of Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado city for 24 hours due to the spread of volcanic ash, affecting flights to destinations such as Singapore, South Korea, and China.

Indonesia, known for its frequent seismic and volcanic activity, is situated on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire', a region prone to tectonic plate movements and volcanic eruptions. The recent eruption of Mount Ruang serves as a reminder of the country's vulnerability to natural disasters.

The eruption of Mount Ruang in Indonesia has triggered evacuations, airport closures, and warnings of potential tsunamis. As authorities continue to monitor the situation, residents in the affected areas are advised to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines to mitigate risks associated with volcanic activity.