Mount Ruang volcano in Indonesia erupted multiple times on Tuesday, prompting authorities to raise the alert level and evacuate thousands of people amid fears of a tsunami. The volcano, situated in the remote region of North Sulawesi province, erupted at 1:15 a.m. local time, followed by two more eruptions later that morning.

According to Indonesia's volcanology agency, the eruptions spewed ash clouds reaching over five kilometers high, along with streams of lava. This marked the latest in a series of eruptions from Mount Ruang, which had already forced the evacuation of over 6,000 residents earlier in the month.

The National Disaster Agency (BNPB) stated that between 11,000 to 12,000 people residing near the volcano's crater needed to be relocated immediately. Abdul Muhari, a spokesman for BNPB, informed the press that local authorities, along with the military and police, were actively engaged in the evacuation efforts.

Images released by the disaster agency depicted a striking scene of red-hot lava shooting into the air, accompanied by thick ash clouds billowing from the crater. In response to the heightened volcanic activity, a seven-kilometer exclusion zone was enforced around Mount Ruang. Volcanology experts had cautioned locals about the potential hazards, including hot clouds, incandescent rocks, and the possibility of tsunamis triggered by volcanic debris entering the sea.

The situation remains tense as authorities continue to monitor Mount Ruang for further volcanic activity and ensure the safety of those affected by the eruptions.

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