Permanent relocation of 9 800 people after series of powerful eruptions at Ruang volcano, Indonesia
The Indonesian government has decided to permanently relocate 9 800 people living within 7 km (4.3 miles) of Ruang volcano, North Sulawesi, following a series of significant volcanic eruptions that began on April 16, 2024.
The activity at Ruang volcano intensified rapidly on April 16 (UTC), with a series of explosive eruptions ejecting ash up to 16.7 km (55 000 feet) above sea level. The Alert Level was raised first to 3 and then to 4 of 4.
The eruption forced the initial evacuation of all ~800 people living on Ruang Island but this number on April 17 increased to at least 11 000, now including parts of nearby Tagulandang.
A warning was also issued about a possible tsunami. “The communities in Tagulandang island, particularly those residing near the beach, should be on alert for the potential ejection of incandescent rocks, hot clouds discharges, and tsunami caused by the collapse of the volcano’s body into the sea,” Hendra Gunawan, head of Indonesia’s volcanology agency, said.
At least 501 houses and buildings were damaged and the Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado, located about 100 km (62 miles) SSE of the volcano, was temporarily closed.
Juste magnifique&effrayant! Le Mont #Ruang en Indonésie a craché des colonnes de cendres dans le ciel nocturne. Éruption pas assez forte jusqu’à maintenant pour modifier significativement le climat.
— Christophe Cassou (@cassouman40) April 18, 2024
[Credit Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation/AFP/Getty Images] pic.twitter.com/hAKr8umozq
Another high-level eruption took place on April 29, ejecting volcanic ash up to an estimated 19.2 km (63 000 feet) a.s.l.
This eruption was significantly more intense, leading to substantial ashfall that coated roads and buildings on both Ruang and Tagulandang islands. The ash accumulation was so dense and heavy that it caused the roofs of several homes to collapse.
Widespread ashfall forced the closure of airport in Manado and other airports as far as Gorontalo Province.
After a detailed cabinet meeting held on Thursday, May 2, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), under the leadership of Lt. Gen. TNI Suharyanto S.Sos., MM, coordinated an extensive discussion on the ongoing evacuation efforts for 9 083 residents of Tagulandang Island.
The evacuations are being conducted within a 7 km (4.3 miles) radius from the center of the Ruang Volcano eruption in Sitaro Regency, North Sulawesi.
By May 2, 3 364 individuals had been safely evacuated, with another 5 719 still undergoing phased relocation due to the imminent volcanic threat. The process was expected to be completed within 3 days.
Coordinating Human Development Minister Muhadjir Effendy announced on Friday, May 3 that residents will be relocated to the Bolaang Mongondow area, approximately 200 km (124 miles) from Ruang. Here, hundreds of simple yet permanent homes, constructed to meet disaster-resilience standards, will be built for them.
Meanwhile, temporary evacuation locations for evacuated residents have been prepared by the government at several points such as the Tumou Tou Manado Center, the Center at Paal 4 UPT Ministry of Social Affairs, Bapelkes Malalayang, BLK Bitung, Siau Island and several other areas independently.
Historically, this stratovolcano is known for its emission of hot clouds—pyroclastic flows that pose significant risks to both human life and the environment.
The eruptions of Ruang were documented in numerous instances such as in 1808, 1810, and notably in 1871, have directly impacted surrounding communities. The 1871 eruption was particularly devastating, triggering a tsunami and resulting in substantial loss of life, with casualties estimated to reach up to 400 people.
References:
1 Erupsi Gunungapi Ruang, Pemerintah Terus Upayakan Evakuasi Sembilan Ribu Warga – BNPB – May 2, 2024
2 Massive eruption at Ruang volcano forces mass evacuation, ash to 16.7 km (55 000 feet) a.s.l., Indonesia – The Watchers – April 17, 2024
3 Major eruption at Ruang volcano, ash to 19.2 km (63 000 feet) a.s.l., Indonesia – The Watchers – April 30, 2024
Featured image: Satellite image of Ruang Island, North Sulawesi, Indonesia on April 27, 2024 with a 7 km (4.3 miles) danger zone marked. Credit: Copernicus EU/Sentinel-2, The Watchers
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