Fears grow for Bali volcano eruption
Fears have been raised Bali’s highest peak Mount Agung could blow its top after days of heightened volcanic activity.
Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency raised the alert level to category four and expanded an exclusion zone to 7.5km around the mountain.
Mt Agung is a popular attraction for hikers and its slopes is also home to Bali’s most revered temple complex Bekasih.
Australia’s Smart Traveller Facebook page also updated its advisory.
"Indonesia: high level of volcanic activity at Mount Agung in Bali. Aussies should monitor local media and follow instructions of local authorities. Local authorities advise against outdoor activities, such as hiking and camping, in the caldera areas of the mountain," it said.
It comes as thousands are due to fly out to Bali during the upcoming Australian school holidays.
So far plumes of smoke emitting from the caldera have not impacted air travel yet but that could quickly change.
More unease over an eruption was sparked after an earthquake struck 125km off the coast of neighbouring Java,
"We see that the earthquake frequency is very high, this is worrying when it comes to eruption," Kasbani, head of the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation said.
"The seismic activity will trigger dangerous gas."
Mt Agung last erupted more than 50 years ago, with billowing ash clouds up to 10km high and claimed more than 1,000 lives.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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