Volcanic Eruption Shuts Down Airports in Southeast Asia
Eruptions at Mount Ruang, a remote volcano in Indonesia
News Mania desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/5th May 2024
Eruptions at Mount Ruang, a remote volcano in Indonesia, have resulted in the closure of over half a dozen airports and sparked tsunami fears, prompting authorities to initiate evacuation efforts for thousands of residents.
On Tuesday, Mount Ruang erupted three times, ejecting lava and ash columns soaring more than 5km (three miles) into the sky. The intensity of the eruptions compelled authorities to issue evacuation orders for approximately 12,000 individuals residing in the vicinity.
In response to the escalating volcanic activity, rescue operations were swiftly mobilized, with a rescue ship and a warship dispatched to facilitate the evacuation of residents from Tagulandang island to the safer environs of Siau island. The evacuation was prompted by concerns that portions of the volcano might collapse into the sea, potentially triggering a tsunami.
RosalinSalindeho, a 95-year-old resident of Tagulandang island, recounted her harrowing experience during the eruptions, describing the terrifying spectacle of rocks raining down on her community. Salindeho’s testimony underscores the grave impact of the volcanic activity on local residents, who now face the dual threats of ashfall and potential tsunamis.
The volcanic ash emitted by Mount Ruang has drifted over vast distances, reaching as far as eastern Malaysia on Borneo island, according to the Indonesian meteorological agency, BMKG. This widespread dispersion of volcanic ash has necessitated the closure of seven airports, including major aviation hubs in Manado and Gorontalo, disrupting air travel across the region.
The closure of airports underscores the disruptive consequences of volcanic eruptions on air transportation and highlights the need for swift response measures to ensure the safety of travelers and local communities. AirNav Indonesia, the state-run air traffic control provider, issued notices confirming the closure of affected airports in response to the hazardous conditions posed by volcanic ash.
The eruption of Mount Ruang evokes memories of past volcanic disasters in Indonesia, including the catastrophic collapse of Mount Anak Krakatoa’s crater in 2018. The collapse triggered a deadly tsunami that claimed the lives of over 400 individuals and inflicted severe damage to coastal communities in the region. The tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the potential hazards posed by volcanic activity and the imperative of proactive disaster preparedness and mitigation efforts.
As Indonesian authorities grapple with the ongoing volcanic crisis, concerted efforts are underway to safeguard vulnerable populations and mitigate the risk of further casualties. The swift deployment of evacuation measures and the coordination of rescue operations reflect the government’s commitment to prioritizing public safety in the face of natural disasters.
In conclusion, the eruptions at Mount Ruang underscore the unpredictable nature of volcanic activity and its profound impact on local communities and regional infrastructure. As Indonesia contends with the aftermath of the eruptions, it underscores the importance of robust disaster management strategies and international cooperation in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by volcanic hazards.
