Agung poised to erupt

MORE than 57,000 people have fled the surrounds of Mount Agung volcano in Bali, fearing an imminent eruption.

An increasing frequency of tremors from the volcano indicates magma is continuing to move towards the surface and an eruption is possible, said National Disaster Mitigation agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho.

More than 560 volcanic earthquakes were recorded on Monday, most of them shallow. The alert status for Agung was raised to the highest level on Friday after a dramatic increase in seismic activity. It last erupted in 1963, killing about 1100 people.

Another disaster agency official, Waskita Sutadewa, said people had scattered to all corners of the island and some had crossed to the neighbouring island of Lombok.

The evacuees are living in temporary shelters, sports centres, village halls and with relatives or friends.

Some return to the danger zone, which extends up to 12km from the crater, during the day to tend to livestock.

Officials said there was no immediate threat to tourists, but some were already cutting short their stays. A significant eruption could force Bali’s international airport to close, stranding thousands.

“It’s obviously an awful thing. We want to get out of here just to be safe,” said an