Bali Erupts: Volcano on Indonesia’s Popular Tourist Island Spews Ash and Lava
Not currently in danger, but Bali tourists remain on standby as volcano erupts
Mount Agung on the Indonesian island of Bali began erupting on Monday, sending ash and lava into the sky and forcing the evacuation of thousands of people.
The eruption began at around 3:30 a.m. local time and has continued sporadically since then. The ash cloud from the eruption has reached a height of 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) and has caused disruptions to air travel in the region.
The Indonesian government has issued a red alert for the area around Mount Agung and has ordered the evacuation of all residents within a 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) radius of the volcano.
There have been no reports of injuries or deaths so far, but the eruption has caused significant damage to infrastructure and property.
More than 40,000 people have been displaced by the eruption and are now living in temporary shelters.
The eruption has also had a significant impact on tourism on Bali, which is one of Indonesia’s most popular tourist destinations.
Many flights to and from Bali have been canceled and hotels and other tourist businesses have been forced to close.
The Indonesian government is urging tourists to avoid the area around Mount Agung and to follow the instructions of local authorities.
The eruption is a reminder of the dangers of living in a volcanic zone. Mount Agung is one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes and has erupted several times in the past.
In 1963, an eruption of Mount Agung killed more than 1,000 people.
The Indonesian government is taking steps to mitigate the risks of future eruptions, but it is important to remember that volcanoes are unpredictable and can erupt without warning.