Bali volcano eruption update: Mt Agung blows again - is it safe to travel to Bali?
Mt Agung erupted again at 12.20pm local time (5.20am BST). The resulting ash column reached 2,500 metres, raining ash on the volcano’s slopes. This latest eruption comes after Mt Agung first exploded into life on Friday, wreaking havoc with air travel. Hundreds of flights were cancelled, stranding thousands of travellers at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International airport
Then on Monday, another explosion sent a plume of ash and volcanic vapour hurtling 2,000 metres into the air. Bali’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho wrote in a tweet that the ash cloud was “grey with thick intensity.” Around 700 residents living on the volcano’s slopes have evacuated voluntarily as a four-kilometre exclusion zone is in force around the summit. Lava from the eruptions have set fire to forests on the volcano’s banks and “flares of incandescent lava” reached more than a mile from the crater.
Getty Bali volcano eruption: This image shows the latest eruption, “grey with thick intensity”
Is it safe to travel to Bali now? Since regular services resumed on Saturday, all airlines have operated normally. Currently, all carriers are open and flying to and from Bali. However, officials are warning that this may change at short notice as the highly active volcano continues to show its might. Virgin Airlines said in a statement on the weekend: “As this situation remains unpredictable flights may be cancelled at short notice if conditions deteriorate.”
Reuters Bali volcano eruption: Lava from the eruptions have set fire to forests on the volcano’s banks
Mr Nugroho wrote last night that the potential for “Successive eruptions occurring is still high.” However, after this latest eruption, he wrote: “Don't be afraid to visit Bali. Bali is safe.” The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) hasn’t placed any specific travel restrictions on the island of Bali. However, they do advise you not to travel within the four-kilometre exclusion zone.
Getty Bali volcano eruption: Around 700 residents living on the volcano’s slopes have evacuated