Indonesia Volcanic Eruption: Evacuations Ordered as Alert Levels Set to Highest Due to Mount Ruang Activity

Mount Ruang in North Sulawesi Province in Indonesia erupted, causing 800 people to immediately evacuate. Immediately, authorities issued a high alert status for the volcano, which spewed smoke at the same time.

Volcanic activities can happen anytime, or without notice, resulting in devastating damage to communities and nearby infrastructures. The ash flows and smoky conditions can potentially affect people's health, and prolonged exposure to smoke is not advisable.

In a Nature World News (NWN) March report, Indonesia also suffered from a 6.4 magnitude earthquake on Java Island. No major damages or casualties were reported. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quake was flooded by tremors, warning of ptoential aftershocks in the region. The country is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, vulnerable to dangerous earthquakes.

Indonesia Earthquake Results in Evacuations

According to recent reports, Mount Ruang is considered a stratovolcano with a peak of 725 meters above sea level. It is located in the North Sulawesi Province in Indonesia. Due to imminent dangers and recent eruptions, the country raised the volcano alerts to their highest, causing potentially dangerous situations.

On Tuesday, the volcano erupted at 9:45 p.m. At the same day, it managed to erupt four times, causing serious concern to authorities. At first, the volcano alert level was at three, but the current situation raided it to alert four. The country records a four-tiered system for volcanic eruptions.

Due to potential threats, officials widened to a six-kilometer exclusion zone, from the previous four-kilometer zone to keep people safe. Near the Tagulandang island, over 800 people in the communities were immediately evacuated. The report explains that Mount Ruan's volcanic activity has increased due to recent quakes in the region.

In a 2023 report, the Merapi volcano on Java Island in Indonesia erupted, causing plumes of ash and volcanic mudflow threat. While there were no immediate reports of casualties. Homeowners were advised to evacuate after two significant volcanic eruptions were reported. The country monitored the increased volcanic activity of the Merapi volcano.

Also Read: The 6 Deadliest and Most Destructive Earthquakes Since 1950

Volcanic Eruption Safety and Preparedness

Communities near an active volcano are at risk of evacuations and dangerous volcanic activity, which can happen without notice. As a result, people are advised to keep updated with the latest volcano information, particularly for vulnerable areas.

People should keep away from mudflow and potential exclusion zones, where they can be exposed to threats of lava or ash flows. Poor air quality is likely to bring risk to people with medical conditions, older adults, children, and pets.

It is important to immediately evacuate to secure areas or shelters to prevent any exposure to dangers. Storing emergency kits is advisable, particularly for areas near any volcano.

Related Article: San Andreas Fault Could Erupt with Explosive Earthquake at Any Moment, Scientists Warn

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