Indonesian authorities have raised the alert level for Mount Agung in Bali to the highest level as the volcano threatens to erupt for the first time in 53 years.
Increased activity from the volcano, including spitting and ash, prompted some 10,000 locals to leave their homes around the mountain over the weekend, while another 200,000 in the eastern part of the island were told to be on alert, according to News.com.au.
Located around 72km from the Bali resort area of Kuta, Mount Agung is popular among tourists for its outdoor activities, which have been temporarily suspended by Indonesia’s tourism leader until the threat has cleared.
https://twitter.com/Tribun_Bali/status/912127909032189952
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has advised Aussies travelling in the area to ensure that they listen to instructions from local authorities.
The government department has also warned holidaymakers to prepare for any potential impact to air travel in the region.
“Contact your airline or tour operator to confirm travel plans.”
DFAT
🌋 35,000 people evacuated from area on #Bali near Mount Agung volcano, which officials say could erupt soon. 🚨🌋https://t.co/m9bmCnOPjV pic.twitter.com/sPrVTywISU
— Ed Joyce (@EdJoyce) September 24, 2017
So far, services between Australia and Lombok are operating close to schedule, however, airlines such as Virgin Australia said they’re closely monitoring the situation and are taking steps to ensure guest safety.
“As a precautionary measure, some of our Bali bound flights will be making fuel stops in Darwin.”
Virgin Australia
“This ensures that if an eruption occurs while the aircraft is en route, we will be able to get guests back to their originating port safely and quickly.”
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