North Sulawesi Space Mountain Is Not Well, Regency Government Extends Emergency Response Status In The Next 14 Days

Refugees from the island of Tamulandang affected by the eruption of Mount Ruang are being transported to the capital Sitaro, Siau, Tuesday (30/4). (ASTRA/Stenly Gaghunting photo)

MANADO - The Regency Government (Pemkab) of Siau Tagulandang Biaro (Sitaro), North Sulawesi Province (Sulut), has extended its emergency response status due to the eruption of Mount Ruangan in Tagulandang, for the next 14 days. Acting (Pj) Regent Sitaro Joi Oroh said that the extension of the emergency response status through Regent Decree No. 110 is a form of the regional government's proactive against the current disaster conditions. "This decision was taken in response to the increase in volcanic activity of the volcano at level IV or Alert," said Regent Joi Oroh in Siau, Antara, Tuesday, April 30. The Regent emphasized the importance of extending the emergency response status to ensure the availability of the resources and coordination needed in dealing with potential hazards from Mount Ruang. This step was taken to maintain the safety and security of the entire community around the danger zone. As is the extension of the emergency response status carried out for 14 days from April 30 to May 14, 2024. In addition, the extension of this emergency response status allows the authorities to continue to take risk mitigation and preparation steps in the face of possible disasters that could arise from volcanic activity of the mountain. In addition, the authorities will also continue to provide information and education to the public about actions that must be taken in the face of potential danger from Mount Ruang. "We invite the whole community to remain calm, but remain vigilant, and follow every direction and appeal from the authorities," said Regent Joi Oroh. Previously, Mount Ruang in Sitaro Regency was again in Alert status, Level IV, after returning to the eruption today at 02.35 WITA. The head of the PGA Pos Ruang Julius Ramopolii said that the mountain erupted again on Tuesday at 02.45 WITA after previously the same incident occurred on April 17. During the eruption, the height of the ash column was not observed. This eruption was recorded on a seismogram with a maximum amplitude of 55 mm and a temporary duration of this ± 10 minutes. At the Level IV Alert status, residents are expected to comply with the recommended radius, namely the community around Mount Ruang and visitors/tourists to remain vigilant and not enter a radius of six kilometers from the active crater center. People living in the Tagulandang Island area which is within a six-kilometer radius should be immediately evacuated to a safe place outside the radius. People on the island of Tamulandang, especially those living near the beach, should be aware of the potential for incandescent rock, hot clouds (surge), and tsunamis due to eruption material that enters the sea/collapse of the volcanic body into the sea. The public is advised to always use masks, to avoid exposure to volcanic ash that can disrupt the respiratory system. People around Mount Ruang are expected to be calm, active as usual, not provoked by issues about eruptions and continue to follow the development of activities through the MAGMA Indonesia application.

The regional government, provincial and district BPBD, must always coordinate with the Pos PGA Ruang, Tulusan Village, Tagulandang District, Sitaro Regency, or the Geological Volcanology and Disaster Mitigation Center (PVMBG) in Bandung.