Residents living near Indonesia's Ruang volcano returned to their homes on Tagulandang island on Thursday to find them destroyed following the latest eruption this week.
Heavy rain and volcanic debris such as rocks and ash damaged some buildings and roofs.
Tuesday's eruption (30) led authorities to evacuate more than 12,000 people from the island of Tagulandang. Evacuations were also ordered for residents of Ruang Island.
Suspension of classes
Schools were closed on Thursday (2) after ash and rain from the Ruang volcano fell on the city of Bitung, in Indonesia's North Sulawesi Province.
More ash fell in areas surrounding the volcano on Wednesday and Thursday, and some residents feared for their health.
“According to what we observed, the ash rain started at 8am on Thursday, carried by the rain, and it was possible to see the roads and vehicles covered in ash. We hope that residents who are in the city or traveling will have their own masks to avoid respiratory illnesses,” said Sunaryo, who lives in Manado, west of Bitung, after cleaning ash-covered vehicles.
The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) raised Ruang's alert status to the highest level following Tuesday's eruption, and warned residents of Tagulandang island that a tsunami could be triggered by the collapse of material volcanic in the ocean.
A state of emergency, valid until May 14, was declared by the local government to facilitate access to aid, although authorities said Manado airport would remain closed until Friday (3).
Source: CNN Brasil
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