History of Ruang Volcano Eruption: 25-meter-high Tsunami

TEMPO.CO, Bandung - The recent eruption of Ruang volcano in North Sulawesi poses a significant threat of a tsunami, according to Heruningtyas, the head of the Volcano Observation Team at the Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center (PVMBG).

Mount Ruang is currently at the highest alert level, Awas, following the eruption on Tuesday night, April 16.

During an online press conference on Thursday, April 18, Heruningtyas stressed that the recommended exclusion zone is six kilometers from the crater because of the potential for a tsunami on the western side of Tagulandang Island. “So, residents in parts of Tagulandang Island must be evacuated,” he said.

He recalled that the previous eruption of the volcano had generated a tsunami up to 25 meters high in the western part of Tagulandang Island, which also affected up to several hundred meters to the mainland of Tagulandang Island on the southwest side.

The Geological Agency recorded that Mount Ruang has experienced at least 16 eruptions since 1808, causing significant damage to the western and southern parts of Tanguldang Island. Fortunately, no human casualties were reported.

Meanwhile, the tsunami resulting from the volcano eruption was recorded in 1871, accompanied by a severe earthquake in mid-February. On March 2, 1871, there was an avalanche at the summit.

On the evening of March 3, 1871, another earthquake occurred, followed by a roaring sound and a tidal wave at Tangulandang beach. The waves were estimated to be 25 meters high and reached up to 180 meters towards the land of Tangulandang Island. The first wave was followed by a second wave, which caused the death of around 300-400 people in Buhais. The next eruption occurred on March 9 and 14, 1871, spewing rocks and sand.

Given the unstable activity of Ruang volcano, Heruningtyas estimated that more eruptions are likely to occur.“We received a report that ash was still raining at 02:00 WITA, and we could visually see hot cloud deposits in the area in the morning from the edge of Tangulandang Island,” he reiterated.

He stressed that the alert status of Ruang volcano has not yet been lifted, and it's crucial to remain vigilant. Therefore, it is highly recommended to follow the evacuation order and stay away from the exclusion zone to prevent any potential catastrophic event.

AHMAD FIKRI (CONTRIBUTOR)

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