Indonesia: Bali’s Mount Agung volcano erupts Nov. 21 /update 11

Event

Indonesia's National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB) reported on Tuesday, November 21, that Bali’s Mount Agung volcano has entered into an eruptive phase. Smoke is visible some 700 m (2300 ft) above the crater. However, the BNPB has not changed the alert level, which remains at 3 following a reduction from level 4 on October 29.

Bali's main tourist areas of Kuta and Seminyak, located some 70 km (45 mi) from Mount Agung, will likely not be directly affected, as the possible paths of lava and mudflows are predicted to run only a little further than the current 12-km (7.5 mi) exclusion zone. However, flights to and from the island could potentially be disrupted due to ash in the atmosphere.

Context

A state of emergency was originally declared on September 19 and three days later the BNPB raised the alert warning to 4 - the highest level - and set up the aforementioned exclusion zone. Over 150,000 people have since been evacuated from this area.

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. evacuation orders). Potentially impacted travelers are advised to confirm flight reservations.