The Ruang volcano is again spewing ash and rock. The mountain north of the Indonesian island of Sulawesi has been active for weeks. Again there is concern about a possible tsunami, the highest warning level applies.
The Indonesian volcano Ruang, which has been active for weeks, has erupted again. The eruption ejected ash, smoke and rocks almost two kilometers into the air, according to the state Center for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics.
The highest warning level applies to the 725 meter high volcano. Residents and mountaineers were asked to stay at least six kilometers away from the crater.
The Ruang is about 95 kilometers from Sam Ratulangi International Airport in the city of Manado. The airport was closed due to poor visibility and ash hazards to engines, the airport authority said.
Worry about tidal waves
A significant increase in both very deep and shallow volcanic earthquakes was recorded, the geologists wrote. This indicates magma migration from deep reservoirs to the surface. People in the region should definitely pay attention to possible pyroclastic flows – they consist of hot ash, rock and gas.
At the same time, concerns about possible tsunamis are increasing. Boulders falling into the sea or the collapse of the entire volcanic body could trigger tidal waves, it said. In 1871, an eruption of Ruang triggered a tsunami with waves up to 25 meters high. Around 400 people died on the neighboring island of Tagulandang, five kilometers away.
Volcano active for weeks
There have been eruptions on Ruang since mid-April. The volcano spewed clouds of ash and rock up to 3,000 meters high several times.
Air traffic in the region was partially suspended. Last week, however, the alert level was initially lowered after the Ruang calmed down somewhat.