Indonesia has raised the alert to its highest level due to repeated eruptions of Mount Ruang volcano in North Sulawesi province, as volcanic ash rose more than one mile (1.6 kilometers) into the air, forcing hundreds to evacuate their homes.
According to Indonesia's volcano monitoring agency, Mount Ruang erupted four times on Thursday.
Consequently, the volcano's alert level, which stands at 725 meters tall, was raised from level three to level four, the highest in the established classification system.
Mount Ruang's eruptions have been causing concern among locals and authorities, prompting swift action to ensure the safety of residents in the surrounding areas.
This recent escalation in volcanic activity underscores the ongoing challenges posed by Indonesia's active volcanoes, where eruptions are relatively common.
The eruption of Mount Ruang serves as a reminder of the country's geographical vulnerability to natural disasters and highlights the importance of robust monitoring and emergency response measures to mitigate the impact on affected communities.