By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Volcano eruption sparks Tsunami threat and evacuations in Indonesia
Indonesian authorities sprang into action on Thursday as a volcano erupted multiple times, triggering fears of a tsunami and necessitating the evacuation of thousands of residents. Mount Ruang, located in Indonesia’s outermost region, unleashed five eruptions, spewing lava and smoke into the air, while lightning illuminated the night sky. With the volcano’s alert level raised to its highest, officials moved swiftly to close the nearby airport in Manado City and initiate evacuations from the surrounding areas, including the remote island of Tagulandang. Residents, panicked by falling debris and the threat of a tsunami, sought safety amid the chaos. Rescue teams, aided by rubber boats, worked tirelessly to evacuate those in the vicinity of the volcano, emphasizing the need for additional resources to ensure the safety of coastal communities. Tourists and locals were urged to stay clear of the six-kilometer exclusion zone as authorities remained vigilant against potential hazards. The eruption’s impact reverberated beyond the immediate vicinity, leading to the closure of the Sam Ratulangi International Airport and disrupting flights to international destinations. Indonesia’s history of seismic and volcanic activity underscores the urgency of the situation, as the nation grapples with the ongoing threat posed by Mount Ruang’s eruption.
Volcano Eruption, Tsunami Threat