JAKARTA, April 18 — The Indonesian National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported on Wednesday that over 800 villagers displaced by the eruption of Mount Ruang in Sitaro district, North Sulawesi, need mats, blankets, cleaning materials, and tents.
Given the anticipated increase in the number of displaced residents, houses of worship in Tagulandang Selatan and Tagulandang Utara sub-districts could be used as temporary shelters, the agency’s Operation Control Center said.
Mount Ruang erupted on Tuesday around 7:19 p.m. local time.
According to the BNPB, the increase in volcanic activity on the volcano may have been triggered by the tectonic earthquake that jolted Doi Island in North Maluku.
Taking note of the increasing volcanic activity, the Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center (PVMBG) raised its alert status to Level III at 4 p.m. local time on Tuesday.
The BNPB reported that the eruption forced residents in Patologi and Pumpente villages, Tagulandang sub-district, to evacuate using Lokong Banua and Lohoraung ferry vessels as well as locals’ boats.
The displaced villagers took shelter in several places, including the GMIST Nazareth Bahoi Church, Bahoi Vocational Center, Tagulandang Sports Center, and the Tagulandang community center, the agency said.
The eruption not only displaced locals but also disrupted the communication network in Laingpatehi village, according to the BNPB.
The Sitaro district government has declared an emergency status from April 16 to 29 to assist in disaster mitigation efforts.
