Indonesia: Alerts status lowered for Bali Mount Agung volcano Feb. 10 /update 23

Event

 Authorities have downgraded the alert status for Bali's Mount Agung volcano on Saturday, February 10. The decision by Indonesia’s National Board for Disaster Management (BNBP) follows reports of decreased activity at the volcano in the past months. The exclusion zone around the volcano once again been reduced, from 6 km (4 mi) to 4km (2.5 mi) radius. All residents who had evacuated over fears of eruption are now able to return to the area, and authorities have stressed that tourism can return as normal.

The volcano continues to  spew smoke, indicating that magma continues to rise within the volcano. Volcanic activity may escalate quickly, with little notice, and further eruptions and associated disruption should not be ruled out.

Context

Mount Agung erupted ash on December 8-9, marking its entrance into an intensified ash eruption phase, according to geological scientists. Indonesian authorities issued an orange volcano aviation alert - the second-highest level - following the ash eruption.

Most of Mount Agung's eruptions since September 19 – when a state of emergency was declared following rumbles – had been primarily composed of steam, with some ash mixed in, according to Indonesian authorities. While no significant air transportation disruptions have been recently reported at Bali's Denpasar-Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) or nearby Lombok International Airport (LOP), DPS remained closed for three days at the end of November.

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, including updates at MAGMA Indonesia, and follow any instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders).