Mount Ruang, Indonesia: Tsunami risk after volcanic eruption

After a huge volcanic eruption in Indonesia, volcanologists 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, April 17th. 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 8 miles high with a violent volcanic thunderstorm.

The WeatherRadar above shows the development of the huge plume from the eruption, accompanied by countless flashes of lightning.

A few hours earlier, the 2,300-foot-high mountain of fire had already hurled clouds of ash and rock miles into the air. Ash and stones also fell on the island of Tagulandang, 3 miles 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.