Thousands flee Agung as Bali volcano erupts sending plumes of ash and gas 4,000 meters above the summit

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The activity of the Agung has clearly changed during the night. After the Bali volcano clouded the air with smoke 1,500m above its summit yesterday, this early morning magmatic eruption sent a large ash plume at a height of more than 4,000 meters above the volcanic peak. The ash cloud is heading towards ENE and Lombok Island, where small ashfalls have already been reported. Thousands of people living nearby had already been forced to flee over fears it would erupt when smoke filled the air on Tuesday. People living within 7.5km (4.5 miles) of the mountain have been told to evacuated. Bali’s airport is operating normally, but some airlines have cancelled their flights. The volcano last erupted in 1963, killing 1,600 people.

Mass evacuations also took place in September when Mount Agung showed signs of erupting, forcing more than 120,000 from their homes.

Magmatic eruption at Agung volcano on Bali in Indonesia on Nov 26
Magmatic eruption at Agung volcano on Bali, Indonesia on Nov 26. via BNPB

Many had since returned after the volcano appeared to be calming, but fresh fears of eruption have caused more chaos for residents.

Magmatic eruption at Agung volcano on Bali in Indonesia on Nov 26
The Agung volcano sent plume of ash and gas 4,000 meters above the summit on Nov 26. via BNPB

After the last eruption, around 25,000 people have been evacuated to more than 200 temporary shelters.

Magmatic eruption at Agung volcano on Bali in Indonesia on Nov 26
Dark smoke is sweeping towards Lombok Island after Mount Agung erupted on November 26, 2017. via BNPB

Gome-2 satellite detected the sulfur dioxide emitted by the eruption; this morning at 9:30 local, the flow of SO2 was estimated at 1,000-2,000 tons, a value qualified with certainty of magmatic. The BNPB also claims that the eruptions have a magmatic character since last night.

Low seismic activity is recorded at the volcano

Magmatic eruption at Agung volcano on Bali in Indonesia on Nov 26
Sulfur gas emissions are those produced by a magmatic eruption. via Gome-2 26.11.2017 / 9h30

The VONA for Agung is now Red, while the volcanic alert level remains at III, for now.

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2 Comments

  1. […] Thousands of people living nearby had already been forced to flee over fears it would erupt when smoke filled the air on Tuesday. People living within 7.5km (4.5 miles) of the mountain have been told to evacuated. Bali’s airport is operating normally, but some airlines have cancelled their flights. The volcano last erupted in 1963, killing 1,600 people…. watch incredible video […]

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