Residents evacuate as fears of larger Mount Agung eruption grow

World Today

A view of Mount Agung volcano erupting in Karangasem, Bali, Indonesia, Monday, Nov. 27, 2017. Indonesia authorities raised the alert for the rumbling volcano to highest level on Monday and closed the international airport on tourist island of Bali stranding thousands of travelers. (AP Photo/Firdia Lisnawati)

Evacuations are continuing on the resort island of Bali. Indonesia raised the alert level for an erupting Mount Agung to its highest level as smoke and ash pour from the volcano. Authorities have evacuated tens of thousands.

CGTN’s Silkina Ahluwalia reports.

At least 22 villages are in Mount Agung’s danger zone, which extends up to 10 kilometers from the volcano’s crater.

The national disaster mitigation agency said magma flows are a possibility, and there is a chance of a bigger eruption, though it will likely not be as big as the last in 1963. Molten rock from that explosion reached as far as 20 kilometers from the mountain. This time, predictions place the range closer to 5 kilometers.

But any sign of another eruption could heavily impact tourism in Indonesia’s most popular holiday spot.

Photos: Indonesia Volcano erupts

Bali’s Lombok International Airport is facing severe disruptions. At times the facility has been completely closed or offered only limited service.

The main tourist areas outside of the danger zone’s 10 kilometer radius are considered safe, but the travelers are still concerned they won’t be able to leave Bali and return to their homes.

Authorities are working with local communities and visitors to make sure they are prepared if the mountain erupts further.