Ruang Volcano Eruption Forces Hundreds to Evacuate Homes in Indonesia's North Sulawesi Province

On April 16, 2024, the Ruang volcano in the North Sulawesi province of Indonesia began a days-long eruption, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of people from their homes. The volcano has been causing significant disruption, with the sky filled with red ash and the country's volcano monitoring agency reporting hundreds of deep volcanic earthquakes.

Increased Volcanic Activity

Indonesia's National Agency for Disaster Countermeasure (BNPB) announced on Wednesday that the volcanic activity had escalated, leading to the raising of the alert level to three, which is the second-highest warning level in their monitoring system. The agency also captured video footage showing massive red bursts filling the sky, accompanied by lightning flashes.

Evacuation Efforts

Amid the eruption, at least 828 people were evacuated from the area, with many being transported by ferries to nearby areas for safety. The Multiplatform Application for Geohazard Mitigation and Assessment in Indonesia (MAGMA Indonesia) reported that the latest eruption occurred early Wednesday morning local time.

Warning and Restrictions

While urging people in the area to remain calm and carry out their activities as usual, the agency also advised the public to stay at least 2.5 miles away from the volcano's active crater, which has been emitting a bright red glow into the sky. Furthermore, reports indicated occurrences of 373 deep volcanic earthquakes and one local tectonic earthquake in the region.

Aviation Alert and Geological Background

The Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA) issued an orange-colored aviation code, signifying heightened unrest and an increased likelihood of eruption. This eruption comes from the southernmost stratovolcano in the Sangihe Island arc, known for its crater partially filled with a lava dome formed by thick lava flows over time.

Ring of Fire

Indonesia is located in the "Ring of Fire", the world's most active zone for seismic activity. The country has experienced previous volcanic tragedies, such as the surprise eruption at Mount Marapi on the island of Sumatra, which claimed more than 20 lives in December. The Global Volcanism Program notes that the Ruang volcano has a history of explosive eruptions resulting in damage to inhabited areas.