Indonesia's Ruang Volcano Erupts, Ash Plumes to 70,000 Feet, Level IV Alert

Apr 18, 2024, 02:56 AM

The Ruang volcano in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, has been erupting continuously, leading to significant evacuations and raising serious concerns about a potential tsunami. The eruptions, which began on April 16, 2024, have prompted the evacuation of all 838 residents of Ruang Island. The Indonesian authorities have raised the alert level to the highest, Level IV (Warning), on April 17, 2024, and issued a tsunami alert due to fears that part of the volcano could collapse into the sea. The volcanic activity has been intense, with ash plumes reaching as high as 70,000 feet and accompanied by thousands of volcanic lightning strikes. The ongoing situation has also led to the closure of a nearby airport and the displacement of more than 11,000 people in the region. A tsunami watch has been issued for the entire western shore of Tagulandang.