World
08:25, 27-Nov-2017
Around 40,000 evacuated from Bali for erupting volcano, highest alert issued
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Around 40,000 people had been evacuated from Bali's erupting Mount Agung volcano as it erupted for the second time in a week, and a level 4 volcano alert, the highest in the warning system, was issued by Indonesian authorities on Monday.
"Not all residents have evacuated yet. There are those [who haven't evacuated] because their farm animals haven't been evacuated yet. There are those who feel they are safe," said Sutopo, a spokesman for Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency (BNPB), adding that security personnel were trying to persuade people to leave but they could be evacuated by force.
It is estimated that around 90,000-100,000 residents should be evacuated in the 8-10 kilometers (5-6 miles) exclusion zone around Agung.
Mount Agung volcano erupts from Culik village in Karangasem, Bali, Indonesia on November 27, 2017. /Reuters Photo
Mount Agung volcano erupts from Culik village in Karangasem, Bali, Indonesia on November 27, 2017. /Reuters Photo
The ash column from Mount Agung rose 1,500 meters following an eruption that began at about 5:30 p.m. local time Saturday and has continued for several hours, according to Indonesia's National Disaster Mitigation Agency.
The ash cloud from the eruption has disrupted the air travel. Over 2,000 people have been affected, airport officials said.
Indonesia's National Disaster Mitigation Agency earlier on Sunday said Bali's international airport was closed, and the closure could extend beyond 24 hours amid the volcanic eruption, according to Bali governor.
A villager walks as Mount Agung volcano erupts in the background in Kubu, Karangasem, Bali, Indonesia on November 27, 2017. /Reuters Photo
A villager walks as Mount Agung volcano erupts in the background in Kubu, Karangasem, Bali, Indonesia on November 27, 2017. /Reuters Photo
“There's a potential for a bigger eruption," said BNPB spokesman Sutopo.
The airport in Bali has diverted seven flights, including five from China, after the closure, Airnav Indonesia said in a statement on Monday.
China’s Consulate General in Denpasar advised Chinese citizens to avoid Mount Agung and its vicinity, according to a travel advisory on Sunday. It also warned Chinese in Bali of the risks of being stranded due to flight disruption.
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