Indonesia: Minor eruption at Mount Agung (Bali) April 4

Event

Mount Agung, Bali’s tallest volcano, erupted at approximately 01:31 (local time) on Thursday, April 4, sending a column of smoke and ash 2000 m (6561 ft) into the air. According to the local observation post, the eruption was heard over 2 km (1.2 mi) away from the volcano, causing some residents to panic. However, no transportation disruptions were reported in the area and the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) did not increase the alert level for Agung. Further eruptions are possible in the near term.

Context

Agung is an active volcano on eastern Bali and eruptions have been ongoing since 2017. PVMBG has placed Mount Agung at level III ("Standby," the second-highest volcanic alert level on a four-tier scale), warning individuals to avoid traveling within a 4-km (2.5-mi) radius of the volcano crater. A ban on hiking at the volcano has been in effect since 2017. In June-July 2018, dozens of flights were canceled due to eruptions at Mount Agung.

Advice

Individuals in or traveling near the affected areas are advised to monitor developments to the situation and anticipate flight diversions and disruptions (e.g. delays and cancelations) in the event of further large eruptions.