Airline alert as volcano erupts
AIRLINES were issued a “red warning” after a volcano on the Indonesian holiday island of Bali sent a thick plume of smoke rising to 13,000 feet yesterday.
It is the second major emission from Mount Agung this week and the red warning means an eruption, with a significant release of volcanic ash, is likely.
Bali is a major tourist destination, although the main resorts of Kuta and Seminyak are about 43 miles from the volcano.
The island’s main airport was operating normally when the warning was issued but some airlines cancelled flights as a precautionary measure.
Volcanic ash can damage plane engines and travellers are being urged to contact their airline or travel agent to check their flight.
Authorities distributed protective masks on Lombok island as the ash cloud from Mount Agung moved eastwards and fell on the city of Mataram, closing the international airport.
Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency said tourism in Bali was still safe except for a danger zone directly around Mount Agung where people were told to “immediately evacuate”.
About 25,000 people are thought to still be in temporary shelters after more than 140,000 fled earlier this year amid fears of a major eruption. According to official estimates, Bali lost at least £83million in tourism and productivity.
More than 1,000 people died when Mount Agung last erupted in 1963.