Indonesia's Ruang volcano in North Sulawesi erupted dramatically on Wednesday, spewing explosive plumes of lava, rocks, and ash several kilometers into the sky. The powerful eruption prompted authorities to declare the highest alert level, leading to widespread evacuations and the closure of a provincial airport.
The volcanic activity continued for days, with the eruption throwing a fiery-red column of lava reaching up to three kilometers high. Social media videos captured stunning purple lightning flashes illuminating the sky above the erupting volcano, highlighting the intense natural spectacle.
Witnesses described the harrowing experience of fleeing the danger. \"We're running, guys,\" said one individual who filmed the eruption while evacuating. \"We are escaping because the ash is coming close.\"
More than 800 people have been evacuated from the vicinity of the Ruang volcano. In response to the escalating situation, authorities expanded the evacuation zone after the volcanology agency raised the alert status. Official Heruningtyas Desi Purnamasari emphasized the ongoing risk of further eruptions, citing a rapid increase in volcanic activity.
Reports indicate that falling rocks and ash have caused damage to homes and necessitated the evacuation of a nearby hospital. To mitigate the hazards posed by ash showers, transport authorities closed the airport in Manado, the provincial capital.
Air Asia canceled flights to nine airports in East Malaysia and Brunei following aviation authorities' safety warnings. Disaster mitigation agency spokesperson Abdul Muhari stated that a six-kilometer radius around the volcano has been cordoned off, with ongoing evacuations affecting residents, including those from the neighboring island of Tagulandang.
Currently, approximately 1,500 individuals in high-risk areas have been immediately evacuated, with nearly 12,000 more at risk of being affected by the eruption's impact.
Reference(s):
Indonesian volcano eruption forces evacuations, airport closure
cgtn.com
