Bali, Indonesia: Mount Agung experiences volcanic ‘earthquakes’ as smoke billows from crater

Authorities are on edge after residents spotted smoke pouring from a volcano in Bali, following several recent eruptions that caused chaos for holidaymakers in Indonesia.

The Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency has issued a caution after it was reported that white vapour and smoke were billowing from the crater of Mount Agung.

Bali has two active volcanoes, Mount Agung and Mount Batur, with Mount Agung the focus of attention from officials this week after concerning underground activity was confirmed.

Just over two weeks ago, emergency services were forced to evacuate more than 900 people and implement an evacuation of over 170 climbers who were left stranded after the eruption of the Semeru volcano in Java.

Mount Semeru erupted 10 times in November, emitting massive plumes of ash and sending lava and rocks as far as 13km down its slopes, officials said.

The climbers were stuck overnight at a lakeside camping area at the foot of the volcano, about 6.4km from the crater, but were all safely moved to safety zones.

Footage from Indonesia’s volcanology agency showed a huge cloud of hot ash billowing from the crater and blanketing the slopes of the volcano.

Following several more alerts on neighbouring islands recently, Mount Agung’s increased activity is a major concern for officials who have moved to issue renewed warnings.

Ida Ketut Arimbawa, the Head of the Karangasem Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) confirmed that the daily report into the volcanic activity “considered that Mount Agung experienced two deep volcanic earthquakes in the last 24 hours”, the Bali Sun is reporting.

Arimbawa confirmed that the smoke emitted from Mount Agung’s crater “is a natural phenomenon and that it can often be triggered by rainfall near the summit” and that “the alert level for Mount Agung remains as Level I (Normal)“.

“Rain that falls on the summit can trigger increased steam from the crater.”

The recent activity brought a word of warning for hikers and visitors to the area to remain vigilant, and they should not plan to stay overnight near the volcano.

“All hikers and trekkers at Mount Agung must limit time spent at the summit and around the crater and avoid trekking during rainy or cloudy weather, and prohibit overnight camping on the slopes.”

Bali’s Buleleng Regency has recently experienced nine earthquakes within 24 hours, while the Semeru area remains on high alert.

The Australian government website, Smartraveller, is also warning that the recent devastating floods in Indonesia are a concern for travellers.

“Heavy rains have caused significant flooding in urban areas, including in Bali and the greater Jakarta region, disrupting transportation. Walking and driving in flooded areas is dangerous. Keep up to date with the news and listen to local authorities,” the warning states.

Indonesia has been recording some of the worst flooding the country has seen in over 25 years in recent weeks, causing flash floods and landslides across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, with more than 300 people confirmed to have been killed.

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) said the emergency response was focused on searching for and rescuing victims, meeting the basic needs of the tens of thousands of evacuees, opening access to isolated areas, and accelerating the distribution of logistical aid to those in need by both land and air.

Qantas and Jetstar have confirmed to The Nightly that all of their flights to and from Indonesia are operating as per schedule with active monitoring protocols in place.