May 06, 2024 - 07:33
By edition.cnn.com

Indonesia to permanently relocate almost 10,000 residents after volcanic eruptions

Reuters —

The Indonesian government will permanently relocate almost 10,000 residents after a series of explosive eruptions of the Ruang volcano has raised concerns about the dangers of residing on the island in future, a minister said on Friday.

About 9,800 people live on Ruang island, in the province of North Sulawesi, but in recent weeks all residents have been forced to evacuate after the mountain has continued to spew incandescent lava and columns of ash kilometers into the sky.

Authorities this week raised the alert status of the volcano to the highest level, closed the provincial airport in Manado, and also warned of the a possible tsunami if parts of the mountain collapse into the surrounding waters.

Hundreds of “simple but permanent” homes would be built in the Bolaang Mongondow area to facilitate the relocations, said Coordinating Human Development Minister Muhadjir Effendy, after a cabinet meeting to discuss the volcano on Friday.

“As instructed by President Joko Widodo, we will build houses that meet disaster-standards,” he said, adding that the site was located about 200 km (125 miles) from Ruang island.

A view of Mount Ruang volcano on Wednesday, the day after it erupted three times, forcing authorities to issue evacuation orders for 12,000 locals.

Mount Ruang began to dramatically erupt last month, with experts saying the eruptions were triggered by increased seismic activity, including deep sea earthquakes.

A woman carrying her child stands on the deck of KRI Kakap-881 warship, as people are being evacuated to North Minahasa Regency on Sulawesi island, following the eruptions of Mount Ruang volcano in Sitaro, North Sulawesi province, Indonesia, on May 1, 2024.