The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued a critical update to its travel guidance for Indonesia, following a series of dramatic and powerful eruptions from Mount Ruang volcano in North Sulawesi.
The volcano has been in a state of highly volatile activity, spewing lava and ash clouds thousands of metres into the sky. This has prompted the Indonesian authorities to raise the alert level to its highest tier and establish a extensive exclusion zone.
Immediate Impact on Travel and Aviation
The primary concern for travellers is the significant disruption to air travel. The vast plume of volcanic ash poses a severe danger to aircraft engines, leading to:
- Widespread flight cancellations to and from regional airports.
- Potential closures of major airports, including Sam Ratulangi International Airport in Manado.
- Knock-on delays and disruptions across the Indonesian flight network.
The FCDO explicitly advises travellers to contact their airline or tour operator for the latest information before travelling to the airport.
Safety Advice for British Nationals
The official government guidance is unequivocal. British nationals currently in the affected area are urged to:
- Follow the instructions of local authorities, including any evacuation orders.
- Stay well outside the exclusion zone established around the volcano.
- Monitor local media and official Indonesian government channels for real-time updates.
- Register their presence with the FCDO's travel subscription service to receive direct alerts.
The situation remains extremely fluid, with the potential for further eruptions at any time. The ash fall can also cause respiratory issues, and those in nearby areas are advised to wear protective face masks if outdoors.
A Region on High Alert
This event has placed the entire Sangihe Islands archipelago on high alert. Indonesian disaster agencies are actively assessing the situation and have begun evacuating residents from the most vulnerable areas. The memory of past volcanic events in Indonesia, which can trigger tsunamis, is adding to the urgency of the response.
For any British citizen in need of urgent help, the FCDO has provided its contact number for consular assistance: +62 (0) 21 2356 5200.
