Indonesia to Permanently Relocate Nearly 10,000 Residents After Ruang Volcano Eruptions

The Indonesian government has announced plans to permanently relocate close to 10,000 residents from Ruang island following a series of explosive eruptions from the Ruang volcano, Reuters reported yesterday.

Coordinating Human Development Minister Muhadjir Effendy stated that about 9,800 people live on Ruang island in North Sulawesi province. However, all residents have been forced to evacuate in recent weeks as the volcano has continued to spew lava and ash high into the sky.

“As instructed by President Joko Widodo, we will build houses that meet disaster-standards,” Effendy said after a cabinet meeting on the volcano crisis. Hundreds of “simple but permanent” homes will be constructed in the Bolaang Mongondow area, located approximately 125 miles from Ruang island.

The Indonesian government raised the volcano’s alert status to the highest level this week, also closing the nearby airport in Manado. Authorities have warned of a potential tsunami if parts of the mountain collapse into the surrounding waters.

Mount Ruang began erupting dramatically last month, with experts citing increased seismic activity, including deep sea earthquakes, as the trigger. The volcano erupted again on Tuesday, causing damage to homes and forcing further evacuations from the nearby Tagulandang island.