MORE than 35,000 people have fled the area surrounding a volcano on the Indonesian island of Bali, amid fears it will erupt for the first time in more than half a century as increasing tremors rattle the region.
The figures issued yesterday by disaster officials are more than double previous estimates and are continuing to rise, they say.
In addition to those ordered to evacuate from a six-eight mile zone around Mount Agung, others have left voluntarily.
Authorities raised the volcano’s alert status to the highest level on Friday following a “tremendous increase” in seismic activity. Its last eruption in 1963 killed 1100 people.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency praised communities’ welcoming response to the flood of evacuees.
Thousands are living in temporary shelters, sport centres, village halls and with relatives or friends. Officials have said there is no current danger to people in other parts of Bali.
In 1963, the 3031m (9944ft) Agung hurled ash as high as 20km (12 miles), according to volcanologists, and remained active for about a year.
Lava travelled 7.5km (4.7 miles) and ash reached Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, about 1000km (620 miles) away.
The mountain, 72km (45 miles) to the north-east of the tourist hotspot of Kuta, is among more than 120 active volcanoes in Indonesia.
: Balinese look at mount Agung on September 24, 2017 in Karangasem regency, Island of Bali, Indonesia. Indonesian authorities raised the alert level for the Mount Agung volcano to the highest level as up to 30,000 villagers around the mountain evacuated their homes and travel warnings have been issued for the popular tourist destination. (Photo by Ulet Ifansasti/Getty Images).
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