Inp.polri.go.id - Manado. The closure of Sam Ratulangi Airport in Manado has been extended until  6 pm Friday local time. 

Yanti Pramono, the airport's public relations officer, confirmed that the closure, initially set from 6.15 am to 8 pm, was due to ongoing concerns following the eruption of Mount Ruang in Tagulandang, Sitaro District. 

The volcanic ash has severely impacted Manado, posing flight risks, according to antaranews.com.

Yanti requested passengers' understanding, emphasizing the unavoidable nature of natural events. 

Mount Ruang's eruption on Thursday, sent volcanic ash three kilometers high and triggered pyroclastic flows, affecting nearby islands. 

Villagers from Limpatehe and Pumpente villages, located just 2.5 kilometers from the volcano, have been evacuated for safety. 

(mg/inp/pr/nm)