6-5-2024 (JAKARTA) The Indonesian government announced plans to permanently relocate nearly 10,000 residents following a series of explosive eruptions from the Ruang volcano, expressing concerns about the safety of living on the island in the future, a minister revealed on Friday (May 3).
With approximately 9,800 people residing on Ruang island, located in the province of North Sulawesi, authorities have mandated the evacuation of all residents in recent weeks. The volcano has been continuously emitting incandescent lava and towering columns of ash, prompting heightened alert levels and warnings of potential tsunamis if parts of the mountain collapse into the surrounding waters.
In response, the government aims to construct hundreds of “simple but permanent” homes in the Bolaang Mongondow area to accommodate the displaced individuals, stated coordinating human development minister Muhadjir Effendy. These homes will be built to meet disaster standards and will be situated approximately 200 km from Ruang island, as directed by President Joko Widodo.
The eruption of Mount Ruang intensified last month, with experts attributing the eruptions to heightened seismic activity, including deep-sea earthquakes. The volcanic activity forced another eruption on Tuesday, causing damage to homes and compelling residents who initially sought refuge on Tagulandang island to evacuate to the provincial capital of Manado.
Tagulandang island bore witness to roads and buildings covered in a thick layer of volcanic ash, with some homes experiencing collapsed roofs, according to a witness reported by Reuters.
Despite no eruptions occurring on Friday, Sam Ratulangi Airport in Manado remained closed until the evening due to the spread of volcanic ash.
Indonesia, positioned within the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” an area known for high seismic activity due to multiple tectonic plate interactions, faces recurring challenges associated with volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.
