Manado. Mount Ruang's eruption in North Sulawesi, which began on Tuesday, is still causing airspace disruptions until Friday. Consequently, Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado City, which is about 95 kilometers from Mount Ruang, stays closed for now.

"The closure of the airport has been extended until today, Friday, from 06.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. local time," the Head of the Data, Information, and Communication Center for Disaster Management of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Abdul Muhari said on Friday.

Abdul explained that volcanic ash distribution from Mount Ruang was observed reaching North Minahasa Regency on Thursday. Several sub-districts were affected by volcanic ash, including West Likupang, Wori, East Likupang, and South Likupang.

The North Minahasa Regency Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) advised residents to wear masks and remain calm, especially in dealing with hoax information.

Abdul added that the Tagulandang Port is currently operational for evacuation mobilization and distribution of aid to affected communities. 

The local government of Siau Tagulandang Biaro Islands Regency (Sitaro) has activated a command post located in Apengsala Village, which is 15 km away from Mount Ruang.

"After the explosive eruption, electricity and communication networks were disrupted in Laing Patehi Village on Ruang Island, while in Lumbo Village on Tagulandang Island, communication networks are not functioning optimally," explained Abdul.

According to BPBD data, there are 272 households or 838 people displaced on Tagulandang Island. They come from Laingpatehi Village with 166 households (506 people) and Pumpente Village with 106 households (332 people).

Meanwhile, evacuation of residents is also carried out on Tagulandang Island, especially on the west side facing Ruang Island.

"The data collection is still ongoing by the local government, with temporary data totaling 6,045 people. They are from Bahoi and Balehumara Sub-districts," added Abdul.

Based on the volcano monitoring information system dashboard, he revealed that Mount Ruang is visible but partly covered in mist today.

"The main crater smoke is observed to be white with moderate to thick intensity, about 50-100 meters high from the mountain peak. The weather is cloudy, with weak winds blowing southwards," Abdul said.

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) has raised the volcanic activity status of Mount Ruang to the highest level or level IV (Alert) on April 17.