In a stunning display of nature's power, Mount Ruang, located in Indonesia's Sangihe Islands, erupted on Tuesday, unleashing a towering column of ash and smoke that rose more than 16,000 feet into the air. The eruption, which followed a period of relative calm, has led Indonesia to issue its highest-level alert, resulting in the evacuation of 12,000 locals living within a 6-kilometer radius.

Netizens quickly shared footage of the fiery eruption on social media platforms, capturing the explosive intensity of the event. Lava rained down as lightning crackled around it, a result of the static electricity generated by colliding ash particles. The eruption has been described as the most powerful since 1871, dwarfing the previous eruption that occurred on April 16.

Bejo Prabowo, the head of the disaster mitigation non-profit organization Infomitigation, expressed shock at the extent of the eruption, noting that solid materials such as stones, gravel, and sand had reached the neighboring Tagulandang island. This unprecedented occurrence highlights the immense force of the eruption and its potential dangers.

The volcanic activity of Mount Ruang has not only disrupted the lives of the locals but has also caused significant damage. Ash and volcanic rock have destroyed crops and hundreds of houses and buildings, according to Indonesia's disaster management agency. Additionally, the ash-filled air has impacted air travel, leading to the suspension of flights at Sam Ratulangi Airport in North Sulawesi's capital, Manado.

Fortunately, no casualties have been reported thus far as a result of Mount Ruang's recent eruptions. Authorities remain vigilant and closely monitor the situation. Indonesia's Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation has received a written request for comment from Newsweek.

Mount Ruang is one of over 120 active volcanoes in Indonesia, a country situated within the Ring of Fire. This horseshoe-shaped region in the Pacific Ocean basin experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions due to tectonic plate movements. Stratovolcanoes like Mount Ruang, with their steep-sided, symmetrical cones formed by thick, sticky lava, are prone to explosive eruptions, as witnessed in the devastating Mount St. Helens eruption in Washington state in 1980.

As the situation unfolds, authorities continue to prioritize the safety of the affected communities while closely monitoring the volcanic activity of Mount Ruang.