Indonesian Volcano Erupts, Triggering Evacuations and Flight Cancellations

Remote Island Volcano Erupts Multiple Times, Raising Fears

Indonesian authorities ordered hundreds of villagers to evacuate on Wednesday following multiple eruptions of a remote island volcano. The eruptions have raised fears of a potential larger eruption.

Mount Marapi, the most active volcano on the western Indonesian island of Sumatra, has erupted five times this week, forcing authorities to close a nearby airport and issue an evacuation order for thousands of people.

Eruptions Cause Flight Cancellations and Airport Closures

The eruptions have also caused flight cancellations and airport closures. The Sultan Iskandar Muda International Airport in Aceh has been closed due to ash from the volcano, and several flights have been canceled.

Rescuers Race to Evacuate Thousands

Indonesian rescuers are racing to evacuate thousands of people who live near the volcano. The evacuations are being carried out by land and by sea, and authorities are urging people to leave the area immediately.

Volcano Spews Huge Ash Cloud

Footage of the eruption shows Mount Marapi spewing a huge tower of ash around 3 kilometers high. The ash cloud is causing respiratory problems for people in the area, and authorities are warning people to stay indoors and wear masks.

Second Eruption in Less Than a Week

The eruption on Wednesday is the second in less than a week. On Tuesday, Mount Ruang volcano in Manado, Indonesia, also erupted, spewing hot clouds and forcing the closure of the Sam Ratulangi International Airport.