Bali volcano news: Latest travel update as Mount Agung eruption threat imminent
BALI volcano news: Mount Agung has been threatening to erupt for two weeks, throwing travel plans into disarray. Here are the latest travel and holiday updates for tourists.
Traveller takes SELFIE over dangerous Bali volcano
Bali has been gripped by the threat of an imminent volcano eruption
Bali has been gripped by the threat of an imminent volcano eruption for more than two weeks.
The volcano alert has been at the highest level, category four, since September 22.
Over 140,000 people were evacuated from the exclusion zone surrounding Mount Agung.
Half have been ordered to return, though the volcano’s seismic activity remains high.
Indonesia has extended the state of emergency in Bali to October 16.
Yesterday, 317 shallow earthquakes, 484 deep earthquakes and 23 local earthquakes were recorded.
A thick ash column was observed rising to a height of 2000m.
Bali volcano latest: Travel update amid Mount Agung eruption threat
Though there are contingency plans in place, no flights have yet been disrupted in anticipation of the natural disaster.
Some airlines have offered customers refunds if they choose to cancel their holidays to the area.
Other airlines have been carrying extra fuel in case they need to turn around or divert.
Ferries are on standby to evacuate 60,000 holidaymakers should the need arise.
Bali volcano latest: Mount Agung's eruption threat has been at the highest level since September 22
If Mount Agung does erupt, it’s likely Bali’s Denpasar Airport will be forced to temporarily close, due to the ash cloud hazard in the skies.
Britons in Bali have been urged to heed the advice of the local authorities and stay out of the volcano’s exclusion zone.
The UK Government’s travel advice website said: “If there is an eruption, volcanic ash clouds could result in airport closures and flight disruption in the region.
“In the event of volcanic ash clouds you should confirm your travel arrangements directly with your airline or travel agent before travelling to the airport.”
Bali volcano latest: Over 140,000 people have been evacuated from the Mount Agung exclusion zone
Speaking to a local newspaper, Indonesian tourism minister Arief Yahya said: "We don't have the exact numbers, but we estimate [cancellations] at around 20 to 30 per cent.”
He fears as many as 60,000 tourists could cancel trips to Bali.
Despite mounting fears Agung will erupt, the Balinese government insists the island is safe for travel.