More people around Indonesia’s erupting volcano evacuated

An Indonesian search and rescue ship anchored at a port near Mount Ruang. Pic/AP

More people living near an erupting volcano on Indonesia's Sulawesi Island were evacuated on Friday due to the dangers of spreading ash, falling rocks, hot volcanic clouds and the possibility of a tsunami.

An international airport in Manado city, which is located less than 100 km from the erupting Mount Ruang, is still temporarily closed as volcanic ash was spewed into the air.

Satellite imagery from the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency showed that the ash has spread to the west, northwest, northeast and southeast, covering Manado and North Minahasa, according to a statement from Indonesia's Transportation Ministry.

"We are still monitoring developments in the eruption of Mount Ruang and coordinating with relevant stakeholders... to ensure flight safety, security and comfort," said Ambar Suryoko, head of the regional airport authority.

Over 11,000 people were told to leave their homes.

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