Rumbling volcano in Bali spurs travel warnings
KARANGASEM: Fears that a volcano could erupt imminently on the holiday island of Bali prompted several countries to issue travel warnings, while Indonesian authorities raced to evacuate tens of thousands of people living in the “danger zone”.
Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, the US and the UK issued advisories yesterday warning that increased volcanic activity at Mount Agung in eastern Bali could disrupt flights at one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.
“Given the possible eruption, defer non-essential travel to the affected areas,” the foreign ministry said in an online statement.
Bali’s international airport was operating normally yesterday, as were tourist spots across the island.
Indonesian authorities have imposed a 12km exclusion zone around the crater.
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) said yesterday that around 62 000 people lived within the “danger zone” around the volcano and that they all needed to evacuate, though so far only 50 000 had moved to the temporary shelters provided in neighbouring villages.
“Some are staying behind because the volcano hasn’t erupted yet or because of religious beliefs,” said BNPB spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho. “Our staff are combing the area and urging everyone to evacuate.”
Nugroho said Mount Agung has entered a “critical phase”, meaning magma has risen closer to the surface, as indicated by hundreds of shallow volcanic tremors that have rattled the area in recent days.
Evacuees are being housed in town halls and school gyms. Host communities were providing food and water, while the government were providing tents, blankets and other relief.
Officials have urged the public to remain calm amid false reports and videos circulating online of an eruption.
Indonesia, which is on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, has nearly 130 active volcanoes, more than any other country. Many Indonesians live near volcanoes because lava flows make the surrounding land fertile for farming.