Mount Ruang Status Back at Highest as Volcanic Activities Intensify

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) has again raised the status of Mount Ruang to level IV as of today, Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 01:30 a.m. WITA. 

The status was raised after the stratovolcano erupted again and released an eruption column about 2,000 meters, accompanied by roaring sounds and continuous earthquakes. Deep and shallow volcanic earthquakes alongside visuals of plumes from the crater also increased significantly on April 29. 

On April 29, 2024, 15 avalanche earthquakes were recorded,  as well as 237 shallow volcanic earthquakes (VTB), 425 deep volcanic earthquakes (VTA), 15 local tectonic earthquakes, and 6 distant tectonic earthquakes.

"There was another increase in seismicity at Ruang Volcano, especially in the number of deep volcanic earthquakes," said Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, quoted in a press release, on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

According to him, this increase in activity could potentially develop into explosive eruptions interspersed with effusive ones(lava flows). 

Situations on the ground

Muhari said that roars were heard from Tagulandang Island as Mount Ruang erupted. Meanwhile, rain of stones and gravel also occurred, including an earthquake that was felt during the eruption. "This rain of stones and gravel reportedly has a wider coverage compared to the eruption that occurred on April 17, 2024," he said.

The Emergency Response Post which was established in Apengsala Village with a radius of 7 kilometers outside the Disaster Prone Area (KRB) was also affected by this rain of stones and gravel. Conditions eased at 07:55 a.m. WITA and rapid assessments were still being carried out.

For security and safety reasons, the electricity network on Tagulandang Island has been turned off. 

Recommendations to the surrounding residents

Muhari said that at volcanic activity Level IV, communities around Ruang Volcano and visitors/tourists must remain alert and remain outside of the 6 km radius from the active crater.

People on Tagulandang Island, especially those who live near the coast, should be aware of the potential for ejections of incandescent rocks, hot clouds (surges), and tsunamis due to eruptive material entering the sea/collapse of volcanic bodies into the sea.

"The public is advised to mask up to avoid exposure to volcanic ash which can disrupt the respiratory system," he said.

IRSYAN HASYIM

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