Mount Ruang, a volcano on a remote Indonesian island, has erupted multiple times since Tuesday night, prompting authorities to evacuate hundreds of villagers and raise the alert level to its highest.
The 725-meter stratovolcano has spewed fiery lava and ash plumes kilometers high, raising concerns of a potential collapse that could trigger a tsunami. The last time such a collapse occurred at Mount Ruang, in 1871, it generated a devastating tsunami.
“The volcano’s activity is intensifying, with hot clouds reaching up to 1.7 kilometers,” said Hendra Gunawan, head of Indonesia’s volcanology agency, to national news agency Antara. He attributed the eruptions to recent earthquakes in the area.
Dramatic footage captures the power of Mount Ruang’s fury. Billowing grey ash clouds dominate the sky, while streams of molten lava illuminate the slopes. Evacuation efforts are underway, with villagers seen relocating to neighboring Tagulandang Island.
Authorities warn residents of Tagulandang to be vigilant for falling volcanic debris, scorching hot clouds, and potential tsunamis caused by further volcanic collapse.
Indonesia, with over 120 active volcanoes, sits on the Ring of Fire, a hotspot for seismic activity. This 25,000-mile arc of fault lines surrounding the Pacific Ocean makes the nation particularly susceptible to volcanic eruptions.
The 2018 eruption of Anak Krakatau serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of Indonesian volcanoes. The eruption caused the volcano to partially collapse into the sea, triggering a tsunami that struck Java and Sumatra islands, tragically claiming over 400 lives.
Fortunately, no casualties have been reported in the current Mount Ruang eruptions. However, the situation remains volatile, and authorities are closely monitoring volcanic activity.
Image—-AFP/Getty Images
