3,364 Victims Of The Mount Ruang Eruption Have Been Evacuated From Tagulandang

Basarnas personnel evacuated a toddler to KN SAR Bima Sena from Minanga Harbor, after the eruption of Mount Ruang, April 30, 2024. BETWEEN A/Karel A Polakitan (1)

MANADO - Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Lt. Gen. Suharyanto said as many as 3,364 victims of the Mount Ruang eruption had been evacuated from Tagulandang Island, Sitaro Islands Regency, North Sulawesi.

"The evacuation of refugees that has been carried out until May 2, 2024, we recorded 3,364 people," said Suharyanto as quoted by ANTARA, Friday, May 3.

The evacuation process, he said, was carried out using several means of transportation such as KM Glory, KRI Kakap, KM Marina Bay, and KMP Lohoraung.

"Well, when I left, I met Mr. Kasal, he also immediately said that the need for defense equipment was related to evacuation if necessary, it would be added," he said.

For information, he said, now there is KRI Teluk Lampung 540 in the planning process with a carrying capacity of up to 600 people.

Apart from the TNI-AL, there are Customs and Excise ships and BNPB and will be added from the private sector, namely KMP Glory and KMP Lokobanua to assist the evacuation process.

Suharyanto is optimistic that if the support for sea transportation facilities for evacuation is carried out, then the evacuation of 5,719 people can be carried out.

"If we maximize it, hopefully within three days it can be completed. All residents who must be evacuated can leave Tagulandang Island," he said.

Previously reported, Mount Ruang on Ruang Island, Sitaro Islands Regency, North Sulawesi, returned to Alert or Level IV status after returning to eruption on Tuesday (30/4) at 02.35 WITA.

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 this temporary duration of about 10 minutes.

The eruption of Mount Ruang began to occur on April 16, 2024, after an increase in volcanic activity. Several days of pause, the eruption occurred again on April 30, 2024.