Indonesia: Flight diversions possible in Bali, fears of “imminent” eruption Sep. 27 /update 4

Event

On Wednesday, September 27, Indonesian authorities remained on standby to potentially divert flights bound for Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), as increasingly frequent tremors reinforce fears of the imminent eruption of the Mount Agung volcano. Australian and Singaporean airlines are also monitoring the situation and preparing for possible disruptions. Inbound and outbound flights at DPS are currently operating as normal.

Bali's main tourist areas of Kuta and Seminyak, located some 70 km (45 mi) from Mount Agung, remain unaffected for now.

On Tuesday, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) warned that Mount Agung had entered a critical phase, but stressed it was not possible to predict when exactly the volcano would erupt.

Over 80,000 residents have been evacuated from nearby villages since September 22, and are now living in shelters located outside the danger zone.

Context

On September 22, the BNPB raised the alert warning to the highest level and set up a 12-km (7.5-mi) exclusion zone around the crater of Mount Agung. More than 560 tremors were reported on Monday alone, along with signs of magma rising to the surface; a 200-m (656-ft) column of smoke was seen rising from the mountain on Sunday.

Mount Agung's last major eruption occurred in 1963 and resulted in the deaths of around 1500 people.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to monitor the situation and follow any instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. potential evacuation orders). Travelers are advised to confirm flight reservations.