The area surrounding Mount Ruang in Indonesia is known for its lush vegetation and rich biodiversity. Because a volcano is endangering safety, Indonesia is planning to permanently evacuate the entire inhabitants of an island in the province of North Sulawesi.
Volcanic Eruption In Indonesia
Eruption of Mount Ruang volcano, Indonesiapic.twitter.com/p76fyCbHOy
— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) May 2, 2024
Following last month’s spectacular eruption of Mount Ruang, ash was billowing out of the volcano, forcing the closure of local airports and the cancellation of flights. The approximately 10,000 residents of Ruang Island are being relocated to Bolaang Mongondow, which is located around 40 kilometres distant from the island of North Sulawesi. For the displaced population, basic, long-term housing will be constructed in the Bolaang Mongondow region. The government plans to declare Ruang Island a conservation site following the evacuation. Because of the volcanic eruptions, the authorities have declared a state of emergency that will last until May 14. This alerts people to the possibility of a tsunami.
With a population of over 270 million, Indonesia is home to over 100 active volcanoes dispersed over thousands of islands, many of which are well-known tourist attractions. The country is situated on the “Ring of Fire,” a network of seismic fault lines encircling the Pacific Ocean. When Mount Agung in Bali erupted in 2017, some 40,000 people had to be evacuated from nearby settlements, resulting in a brief decline in tourism and losses of almost $1 billion.
Moreover, Sunday saw an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2, according to Indonesia’s agency for meteorological, climatology, and geophysics. Thus yet, there have been no reports of casualties or property damage.
Also Read: Bali Virgin? This Is The Ultimate Bali Travel Guide For First-Timers
What Is Mount Ruang?
The current status of Mount Ruang, taken from a helicopter by @BNPB_Indonesia on its way from Manado to Tagulandang. Authorities hope for a decrease in eruption activity to restore normal community activities. Citizens are advised to remain vigilant and evacuate the area within a… pic.twitter.com/H9cu0qyyh9
— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) May 4, 2024
Mount Ruang in Indonesia is a volcano located in the Sangihe Islands. It is an active volcano situated at an elevation of about 725 meters (2,379 feet) above sea level. The volcano has a history of eruptions. It is categorised as a stratovolcano, characterized by its steep slopes and conical shape. Mount Ruang is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for its frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to the movement of tectonic plates.
The Sangihe Islands are renowned for their unique flora and fauna, making them of interest to scientists and nature enthusiasts. However, the volcanic activity of Mount Ruang poses potential risks to the local population and ecosystems.
Cover image credits: Wikimedia Commons