Volcano selfies from Bali inflaming social media
TOURISTS on the Indonesian holiday island of Bali have been criticised for posting self-indulgent images in the shadow of Mount Agung, an erupting volcano that has forced up to 100,000 locals from their homes.
“Natural disaster selfies” taken by young holidaymakers and posted on social media sites like Instagram are drawing a backlash from those who say the practice is insensitive, given the volcano could claim lives and wreck tourism there.
In one post that drew particular ire, a Ukrainian tourist wearing a bikini posed in an infinity pool gazing to- wards the smoking mountain. Using the name katepolishchuk, she wrote on Instagram: “When you are left alone in the empty resort, because tourists are scared of the volcano, and you are chilling with the jungle and refilling your energy with the magnificent view on this power of the nature”.
While also expressing some sympathy for locals forced to evacuate, sometimes the earth “also needs to breathe and release stress,” she continued.
But Instagram user Adam Gray countered: “Easy to say until your entire family is burnt alive.”
Dirk, a German user, told her: “What is wrong with you? Thousands of people needed to flee from the volcano and you use it for your self-staging. You are a symbol for everything that is wrong with the Instagram world.”
Locals were ordered to leave the vicinity when the volcano began erupting last month. Ash clouds prompted the cancellation of hundreds of flights and thousands of tourists were stranded.
Flights have resumed, but those living within six miles of the volcano have not been allowed to return.
Around 80 per cent of Bali’s income is dependent upon tourism.