After weeks of speculation and preparation Bali’s Mt Agung volcano finally blew last night, with a serious of eruptions that continued into this morning.
The blast sent 4,000 metres into the atmosphere, creating a dense cloud, which is apparently now drifting slowly away from the volcanoes crater towards the neighbouring island of Lombok.
Although an estimated 25,000 of the 185,00 people originally evacuated remain unable to return to their homes in the exclusion zone, it seems to be pretty much business as usual in Bali. Flights to and from the island have resumed after a short period of cancellation. So far, the only reported upshot has been a half a centimetre thick layer of ash settling on the villages that surrounded the volcano. Local authorities are however handing out masks as a precaution and asking people within the 4.5 mile exclusion zone to exit the area for now.
There have been concerns that the mass media hysteria around the volcano could leave a dent in the countries vital tourism industry, with 5 million international visitors flocking to the island each year, however, locals are remaining positive.
“We are out of the danger zone, but like other resorts in the region, of course the eruptions cause a decrease in the number of visitors,” Made Sugiri an employee at Mahagiri Panoramic Resort, which sits 10 miles from the volcano, told the DM.
“I think these latest eruptions are more dangerous, given the thick clouds it’s releasing,” he said. “Certainly we worry, but we have to wait and see. Hopefully there is no significant eruption.”
Cover photo Eyesofanomad // Facebook
