Indonesia on alert for more eruptions at remote volcano

Indonesian authorities were on alert Friday for more eruptions from a remote island volcano that forced thousands to evacuate this week, as nearby residents began clearing debris after molten rocks rained down on their villages.

Mount Ruang erupted almost half a dozen times in 24 hours beginning late Tuesday, stirring a spectacular mix of fiery orange lava, a towering ash column and volcanic lightning.

While officials said Ruang had started to calm Friday, authorities maintained the highest alert level of a four-tiered system, which indicates high volcanic activity.

According to AFP, Hundreds of locals on neighbouring Tagulandang island were seen cleaning up volcanic material from the harbour and their yards on Friday morning with the help of soldiers and police officers.

Some described their panic and rush to safety when the eruption began.

“I evacuated. There was a house. I stayed there. And then it rained and rocks fell. I prayed ‘God have mercy, please help me God’,” Ninice Hoata, a 59-year-old teacher said.