Mount Ruang, Indonesia: Tsunami risk after volcanic eruption

After a huge volcanic eruption in Indonesia, volcanologists have warned of a possible tsunami.

After only a few warning signs, several strong eruptions occurred on the Indonesian island volcano, Mount Ruang, in North Sulawesi, on Wednesday 17th April. The authorities issued the highest warning level and thousands of people were evacuated to safety.

The main eruption of the volcano produced a column of ash around 14 kilometres high with a violent volcanic thunderstorm.

The WeatherRadar above shows the development of the huge cloud screen of the eruption accompanied by countless flashes of lightning.

A few hours earlier, the 725-metre-high mountain of fire had already hurled clouds of ash and rock kilometres into the air. Ash and stones also fell on the island of Tagulandang, five kilometres away, injuring several inhabitants.

Parts of the Indonesian volcano have since become unstable due to the eruption and are threatening to slide into the sea, triggering a tsunami risk.

Indonesia is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, the most geologically active zone on earth. Volcanic eruptions are not uncommon. Over 150 years ago, Mount Ruang triggered a violent tsunami. Back then, 400 people died.