Continued eruptions from Mount Ruang volcano in North Sulawesi province, Indonesia, have led to disruptions in air traffic and prompted the evacuation of thousands of residents from the area. The volcano, standing at 725 meters high, erupted for the first time on Tuesday night, sending lava flowing down its slopes and emitting plumes of smoke from its crater.

Video footage captured the dramatic scenes of red-hot lava cascading down the mountainside, as authorities raised the alert level in the vicinity of Mount Ruang. A safety perimeter of four to six kilometers has been established around the volcano, prohibiting the presence of people or animals in the area.

Initially, over eight hundred residents were evacuated to the nearby island of Tagulandang as a precautionary measure. However, following four additional eruptions on Wednesday, authorities announced further evacuations, which commenced on Thursday morning.

Abdul Muhari, the head of Indonesia's disaster agency, expressed concerns about potential hazards posed by the volcanic activity. He warned that parts of the volcano could collapse into the sea, potentially triggering a tsunami. In response to this threat, authorities have evacuated at least 11,615 residents from vulnerable areas to safer locations.

The eruptions from Mount Ruang have also affected air travel in the region, causing disruptions to flights as volcanic ash clouds pose risks to aircraft. The situation remains under close monitoring as authorities work to ensure the safety and well-being of affected communities.

The volcanic activity serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of natural disasters and underscores the importance of preparedness and proactive measures to mitigate risks and protect lives.