Bali volcano update: FRESH eruption sends thick column of ash cloud 2,500 high
The 3,031 metre tall volcano erupted at 12.20pm local time (5.20am BST), said Bali’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho. In a series of tweets, he warned “successive eruptions occurring potential its still high”, suggesting another eruption was imminent. Mr Nugroho wrote: “The activities of the community and the tourists remain normal, despite the eruption of Mount Agung back shortly with a high column of ash 2,500 meters on 4/7/2018, 12.20 WITA. "It rained Ash on the slopes of g. All airports are operating normally. The Standby Status. Don't be afraid to visit Bali. Bali is safe.”
Despite the latest buzz of volcano activity, however, the I Gusti Ngurah Rai airport remained open to tourists. The volcanic eruption last for one minute and 58 seconds. Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation said the grey column of ash was “moving to the west” and the top measured 5,462m above sea level. Bali’s aviation code remains at orange but “low frequency earthquakes” continue to rock the summit.
The most striking pictures from Mount Agung's eruption Mon, July 2, 2018 Extraordinary pictures show Bali's Mount Agung erupting again. Play slideshow Getty Images 1 of 28 Mount Agung erupts as its lava incubation reaches 2000 meter distance, in Bali
Today’s explosion comes less than 48 hours after a seven-minute eruption showered incandescent lava down the mountainside Panicked residents reported seeing molten rocks zooming through the air 1.2 miles away. How many people have been evacuated? On Tuesday, an official from BNPB told Detik news site 2,731 residents had now fled their homes for safety.
Sonny Tumbelaka/AFP/Getty Bali volcano update: FRESH eruption sends thick column of ash cloud 2,500 high
The Indonesian Red Cross is offering support to those affected and gas masks are being offered to people living nearby. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) continues to advise people against travel within four kilometres of the crater. Flights are still operating as normal and there are no restrictions on visiting Bali in general. An eruption on Friday saw more than 300 flights cancelled, affecting nearly 27,000 passengers.
Sutopo Purwo Nugroho/Twitter Bali volcano update: Sutopo Purwo Nugroho has stressed 'Bali is safe'
Reuters Bali volcano update: Flares of lava cascade down Mount Agung's sides