The Ruang volcano in Indonesia, which has been active for weeks, is not calming down. On Tuesday evening (local time), the 725-meter-high Fire Mountain in the Sangihe archipelago north of Sulawesi island hurled a 2,000-meter-high column of ash, smoke and stone into the sky.
This was “accompanied by thunderous sounds and persistent tremors,” the National Geological Agency reported. The authorities subsequently issued the highest alert level again. Residents within a four-mile radius of the crater were asked to immediately rush to safety and wear masks. There has been a significant increase in both very deep and shallow volcanic earthquakes, the Geological Agency said. This indicates magma migration from deep reservoirs to the surface.
People in the region should be alert to possible pyroclastic flows – flows of hot ash, rock and gas – as well as tsunamis, which could be caused by boulders falling into the sea or the collapse of the entire volcanic body.
Eruptions since mid-April
There have been eruptions on Ruang since mid-April. The volcano repeatedly spewed clouds of ash and rock up to 3,000 meters high. Air traffic in the region was partially suspended. However, last week the alert level was initially lowered after the Ruang calmed down.
A collapse could cause a tsunami
Two weeks ago, parts of the volcanic island threatened to collapse into the sea. According to the state Center for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics (BMKG), eruptions can cause the flanks of a volcano or, in the worst case, the entire mountain to collapse, creating tsunamis with meter-high tidal waves and devastating consequences.
In 1871, an eruption of Ruang caused a tsunami with waves up to 25 meters high. About 400 people were killed on the neighboring island of Tagulandang, five kilometers away.
130 active volcanoes in Indonesia
The world’s largest island nation, Indonesia, is located on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, the most geologically active zone on Earth. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur regularly along this belt. There are approximately 130 active volcanoes in Indonesia.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
