Has Bali’s Mount Agung volcano erupted again and what’s the latest travel advice?

MOUNT Agung volcano in Bali erupted again, stranding thousands of tourists and forcing villagers to flee the Indonesian island’s “danger zone” but the international airport has now reopened.

Months after an earlier series of eruptions stranded 120,000 air passengers, here’s the latest news and travel advice.

When did Mount Agung erupt?

Mount Agung, in the east of paradise isle Bali, is considered a holy site by Balinese.

After it had lain dormant for many years, massive eruptions in February and March 1963 were among the most devastating in Indonesia’s history.

Some 1,700 people were killed as lava and debris incinerated nearby villages. Hundreds more were killed in smaller eruptions over the next year.

From September to November 2017, hundreds of earthquakes under the volcano sparked another series of eruptions.

Around 150,000 people were ordered to leave for safety as a plume of volcanic ash and steam rose over 6,000 metres into the sky.

The alert was raised to level four meaning a large eruption was thought “imminent” by tourists bosses insisted it was safe to visit Bali.

In June 2018, a fresh eruption sent ash 8,200ft into the air, grounding 276 flights at Ngurah Airport.

And on July 2, a it erupted for the third time in under a week.

“Micro tremors are still being detected… indicating that magma is moving towards the surface,” said Sutopo Purwo Nugroho of the disaster mitigation agency.

Hundreds of villagers living near the crater were evacuated and 16,000 tourists were stranded waiting for the airport to reopen.

Internationally 450 flights and 75,000 passengers were affected by the closure.

The international airport was closed again temporarily on Friday June 29, 2018 due to the volcanic ash and vapour but has now reopened.

More than 300 flights were cancelled.

Passengers are advised to check rescheduled flight times.

What is the travel advice?

Ash from the volcano threatened the safety of planes so aviation chiefs closed Ngurah airport.

Travel disruptions rippled around the globe as the island is one of Asia’s top destinations, attracting five million visitors a year.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office advised passengers to check with their airline before travelling.

In its updated travel advice on June 29, it says: “The Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise against all travel within 4 kilometres of the Mount Agung crater in east Bali and within 7 kilometres of the Mount Sinabung crater in North Sumatra due to ongoing volcanic activity.

“These are exclusion zones put in place by the local authorities. If you’re in either exclusion zone, you should leave immediately.”

It adds: “There are many active volcanoes in Indonesia, any of which can erupt with little or no warning.
“This often results in the evacuation of villages within a 3 to 7 kilometre radius and disruption to air travel in the wider region.

“In the past, repeated eruptions have caused destruction and fatalities.

“Check media reports before travelling to areas that are prone to volcanic activity. The local alert level may change at short notice.

“Take extra care and follow the advice of local authorities, including respecting any exclusion zones.”

The FCO also warns terror attacks in Indonesia are “very likely”, adding:  “Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and have the capacity and intent to carry out these attacks at anytime and anywhere in the country.
“Types of attacks have included suicide bombing and small-arms fire, targeting public and crowded places. Be vigilant and take care at all times.”

Around 360,000 British nationals visit Indonesia every year.

When was the last major eruption?

Before last year the volcano last erupted in 1963 killing more than 2,000 people.

Locals heard explosions in February when ash and lava began to flow from the crater.

Almost a month later a full eruption sent debris up to six miles into the air and devastated numerous villages.

After the initial blast it remained “active” for the next 11 months.