Mount Ruang initiated its eruption on Tuesday evening, projecting an ash cloud over a mile high into the sky. Authorities raised the alert level to the highest tier on a four-tiered system due to the volcanic activity.
Tsunami Concerns and Additional Eruptions
- Concerns arose regarding the possibility of falling debris triggering a tsunami, particularly after four additional eruptions occurred on Wednesday.
Tsunami Alert and Evacuation Orders
- Indonesian authorities issued a tsunami alert following the eruptions at Ruang Mountain on the northern side of Sulawesi Island.
- The volcanic activity propelled ash thousands of feet into the air, leading to the evacuation of more than 11,000 people from the area.
- The volcano experienced at least five large eruptions within a 24-hour period.
Airport Closure and Evacuation Efforts
- The nearest international airport to the erupting volcano was shut down for 24 hours due to volcanic ash, as announced by the transport ministry on Thursday.
- Approximately 800 residents had evacuated the area by Wednesday.
Geographic Vulnerability and Safety Recommendations
- Indonesia, with its 120 active volcanoes, remains susceptible to volcanic events due to its location along the “Ring of Fire.”
- Officials advised maintaining a distance of at least 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from the 725-meter (2,378-foot) Ruang volcano.
- Residents of Tagulandang island, located northeast of the volcano, face renewed risks and were instructed to evacuate promptly.
- The National Disaster Mitigation Agency of Indonesia announced plans to relocate residents to Manado, the nearest city on Sulawesi island, via a six-hour boat trip to ensure their safety.
Seismic Activity Preceding Eruption
- According to the New York Times, more than 300 volcanic earthquakes were detected over at least two weeks before the eruption of Mount Ruang.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers:
- What prompted Indonesian authorities to elevate the alert level at Mount Ruang?
- A) Intense seismic activity
- B) A mile-high ash cloud
- C) Four consecutive eruptions
- D) Tsunami threat
- Answer: C) Four consecutive eruptions
- Why were concerns raised about the possibility of a tsunami following the eruptions?
- A) Increased seismic activity
- B) Proximity to the ocean
- C) Presence of volcanic earthquakes
- D) Potential for falling debris
- Answer: D) Potential for falling debris
- How many people were ordered to evacuate the area around Mount Ruang?
- A) Approximately 300
- B) Over 11,000
- C) Around 800
- D) Exact number not mentioned
- Answer: B) Over 11,000
- What was the reason behind the closure of the nearest international airport?
- A) Seismic activity
- B) Ash accumulation
- C) Threat of lava flow
- D) Tsunami warning
- Answer: B) Ash accumulation
- What geographical feature characterizes Indonesia’s vulnerability to volcanic events?
- A) Mountain ranges
- B) Coastal plains
- C) Ring of Fire
- D) Plate boundaries
- Answer: C) Ring of Fire