The Ruang volcano in eastern Indonesia erupted again last night, lighting up the sky and spewing lava, prompting authorities to raise the alert alarm and to close the surrounding airports, Reuters reported, BTA reported.
The National Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazards and issued the highest level of warning after the eruption in the early morning hours. Local residents are urged not to approach the volcano.
Local emergency services released video footage showing lightning over the crater, red lava clouds and rocks thrown from the air and falling around the island. The agency urged residents within a six kilometer radius to evacuate immediately, warning of further “explosive eruptions”.
The eruption coincides with increased seismic activity around the volcano. Earlier this month, eruptions at Ruang caused hundreds of people to evacuate and the airport in the regional center of Manado to close its doors. Some nearby homes were damaged.
Authorities have now closed Manado airport again, citing the possible spread of volcanic ash. Ruang Island, which is about 100 km from Manado, is home to more than 800 residents, most of whom were evacuated after the recent eruptions. Indonesia is located in the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, an area of high seismic activity where multiple tectonic plates meet.