18-4-2024 (JAKARTA) The center for volcanology and geological disaster mitigation of Indonesia has issued a tsunami warning following an explosive eruption of Gunung Ruang volcano located in Kabupaten Sitaro, North Sulawesi, on Wednesday night (17/4/2024). Residents on Pulau Tagulandang, especially those living near the coast, are urged to remain vigilant due to the potential tsunami threat. Hundreds of residents in the Siau Tagulandang Biaro Islands (Sitaro) have been directed to evacuate to the eastern coast of Pulau Tagulandang, deemed safer.
Meanwhile, the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has announced the possibility of high waves in several coastal areas due to the eruption of Gunung Ruang. “Beware of high waves due to the eruption of Gunung Ruang for residents in coastal areas of Tagulandang island, Biaro, Siao island, and north Minahasa beach,” said Daryono, Head of the Earthquake and Tsunami Center at BMKG
Status Raised to Level IV (Alert) Previously, the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (KemenESDM) officially raised the activity level of Gunung Ruang to Level IV (Alert) starting from Wednesday (17/4/2024). The decision was based on visual and instrumental monitoring results indicating increased volcanic activity at Gunung Ruang. Geological data shows that, there were five explosive eruptions with heights ranging from 1,800 meters to 3,000 meters from the summit of Gunung Ruang. These eruptions were accompanied by pyroclastic flows, hot ash clouds, and volcanic thunder and lightning flashes. The eruption of Gunung Ruang was also followed by earthquakes. During the period from 1-17 April 2024, PVMBG recorded a total of 1,439 volcanic earthquakes, 569 shallow volcanic earthquakes, six local tectonic earthquakes, and 167 distant tectonic earthquakes at Gunung Ruang.
Cause of Gunung Ruang Eruption Could Trigger Tsunami Daryono stated that one of the impacts of the Gunung Ruang eruption is the increased possibility of high waves that could lead to a tsunami. According to him, there are many causes of how eruptions can trigger tsunamis. “(The tsunami potential) mainly occurs due to the phenomenon of flank collapse or the collapse of part or all of the mountain body,” said Daryono. However, the potential tsunami due to eruptions can also occur because of magma contact with seawater or hot cloud contact with the sea surface. Based on historical records, Gunung Ruang’s activity has also caused a tsunami as high as 25 meters in 1871.
