WEDNESDAY, MAY 01, 2024
Team Herald
Indonesian rescuers sprang into action on Thursday as Mount Ruang erupted five times, prompting the evacuation of thousands and sparking fears of a potential tsunami threat. The volcano, located in Indonesia's outermost region, exhibited a dramatic display of lava and lightning bolts overnight, following four eruptions on Wednesday.
In response to the escalating volcanic activity, authorities made the decision to close the nearest international airport in Manado City on Sulawesi Island for 24 hours. With an urgent need to protect residents, efforts are underway to evacuate approximately 11,000 people from the surrounding area, including the remote island of Tagulandang, home to around 20,000 individuals.
The situation has led to scenes of panic among some residents, highlighting the urgency of the evacuation efforts. Over 800 people have already been relocated, and authorities are expanding the evacuation zone as the alert status issued by the volcanology agency has been raised.
The closure of the Manado airport has disrupted travel plans, with Air Asia cancelling flights to nine airports in East Malaysia and Brunei as a precautionary measure against potential ash showers resulting from the eruption.
Adding to the concerns, officials have warned of the possibility of a tsunami if sections of the mountain collapse into the ocean below. Reports indicate that a previous eruption of Mount Ruang in 1871 resulted in a tsunami that claimed the lives of approximately 400 people.
