Thousands Evacuated as Indonesian Volcano Erupts, Raises Tsunami Threat
Mount Ruang Spews Lava and Ash, Forcing Evacuations
Mount Ruang, a volcano in Indonesia's North Sulawesi province, erupted on Tuesday, sending fiery lava and ash thousands of feet into the night sky and forcing the evacuation of hundreds of people.
Eruption Brings Back Memories of 2018 Tsunami
The eruption has raised concerns due to its similarities to the 2018 eruption of Indonesia's Anak Krakatau volcano. That eruption caused part of the mountain to collapse into the sea, triggering a tsunami that struck the coasts of the main Java and Sumatra islands, killing more than 400 people.
Initial Eruption Raises Ash Column Two Kilometers High
The head of Indonesia's geological agency, Muhammad Wafid, said Ruang's initial eruption sent an ash column two kilometers (12 miles) into the sky. The second eruption pushed the column even higher.
Authorities Evacuate Thousands, Close Airport
As a response, Indonesian rescuers raced to evacuate thousands of people on Thursday. Authorities also closed a nearby airport and issued a warning about falling debris that could potentially cause a tsunami.
Lava Flows Visible from Space
Satellite images captured by NASA's Earth Observatory show the intense activity at Mount Ruang. The images depict lava flows cascading down the volcano's slopes, illuminating the surrounding area with a fiery glow.
Vulcanologists Monitor Situation Closely
Vulcanologists are closely monitoring the situation and warning residents to stay prepared for further eruptions. They note that the volcano's activity could continue for several days or weeks, with potential risks of volcanic ash, landslides, and flooding.
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