MANADO, Indonesia: Indonesian rescuers faced a critical situation Thursday as Mount Ruang erupted multiple times, necessitating the evacuation of thousands of residents amid fears of a tsunami from falling volcanic debris.
Mount Ruang, situated on a remote island in Indonesia’s outermost region, spewed lava and ash into the air, accompanied by lightning bolts, leading authorities to raise the alert level to its highest tier. The volcanic activity resulted in the closure of Manado’s international airport on Sulawesi island, disrupting air travel to and from the region for 24 hours.
Rescuers rushed to evacuate over 11,000 individuals from Tagulandang, where many homes were damaged by falling volcanic rocks. Residents described chaotic scenes of panic and self-evacuation as small rocks descended, prompting them to seek safety without clear guidance.
Emergency responders, challenged by road conditions covered in volcanic material, deployed rubber boats to assist in the evacuation of coastal communities vulnerable to potential tsunamis triggered by the volcanic activity.
The evacuation effort extended to a nearby prison on Tagulandang, where inmates and officials were ferried to safety across the Likupang seaport to mitigate risks posed by the volcano’s proximity.
Authorities emphasized the danger posed by volcanic ash, prompting the closure of key airports and affecting international flights to Singapore, South Korea, and China.
In light of Indonesia’s frequent seismic and volcanic activity, compounded by its location on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, the situation remains tense, with ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of affected communities.
