Indonesian authorities have issued a tsunami alert following a series of eruptions at the Ruang volcano, located on the northern side of Sulawesi island. The volcano has experienced at least five significant eruptions in the past 24 hours, prompting officials to raise their volcano alert to the highest level.

To ensure the safety of residents, more than 11,000 people have been ordered to leave the area surrounding the volcano. Earlier today, around 800 residents had already evacuated. The authorities have urged both tourists and locals to maintain a safe distance of at least 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from the 725-meter (2,378-foot) Ruang volcano.

The main concern for officials is the potential collapse of a section of the volcano into the sea, which could trigger a tsunami similar to the 1871 eruption. As a precautionary measure, residents on Tagulandang island, located northeast of Ruang volcano, have also been advised to evacuate.

Indonesia, with its 120 active volcanoes, sits along the "Ring of Fire," a ring of seismic fault lines encircling the Pacific Ocean. The country is prone to volcanic activity, making it important for authorities to remain vigilant and responsive to potential threats.

Residents who have been displaced by the volcanic activity will be relocated to Manado, the nearest city on Sulawesi island. The journey by boat to Manado is expected to take approximately six hours.

This alert comes as a reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from volcanic eruptions and subsequent tsunamis. In 2018, the eruption of Anak Krakatau volcano caused a tsunami along the coasts of Sumatra and Java, resulting in the loss of 430 lives.

Indonesia's National Disaster Mitigation Agency continues to closely monitor the situation and provide necessary updates and assistance to residents. It is crucial for individuals in the affected areas to heed the warnings and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.