Indonesia: Authorities Raise Alert Level for Ruang Volcano

Jakarta, Indonesian authorities raised the alert level to the highest, coinciding with the issuance of immediate evacuation orders within a 6-kilometre radius, following the eruption of Mount Ruang volcano in Sulawesi province, northern Indonesia. According to Indonesia's Geological Agency, the volcanic eruption led to a column of ash and smoke rising 2,000 meters into the sky. The agency urged residents in the affected areas to follow evacuation orders and wear masks to protect against the ash. Indonesian authorities had previously issued a tsunami warning, and raised the alert level for the volcano after it witnessed several major eruptions, prompting the aviation authorities to close Sam Ratulangi Airport in Manado, which is located about 100 km from the volcano, to protect flights from dangerous volcanic ash. The 725 meters high volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia, as this latest eruption comes in the wake of increasing volcanic activity, which began in mid-April. The last major eruption of Mount Ruang was in 2002, in which the lava caused significant damage to the surrounding area. Indonesia is located on a geological region with high seismic activity, and on top of multiple tectonic plates. Source: Qatar News Agency