Mount Agung in Karangasem district, Bali, has erupted again on Friday, May 24 at 7.30 p.m. While the official height of the ash column is still unknown, about 2.5-3 kilometres of incandescent lava was spewed by the mountain in different directions.
According to I Made Rentin, head of Bali’s branch of Disaster Management Agency, a roaring noise was heard during the eruption, which had affected areas of Karangasem district. Rentin also warned the people to stay within a four-kilometre radius from the peak of its crater. He also urged the residents to equip themselves with face masks while leaving their homes, as the hazardous area is dynamic. Other affected areas include Pempatan Village, Besakih Village, Menanga Village, Sebudi Village, Muncan Village, Amerta Bhuana Village, Nongan Village, Rendang Village and certain parts of the Bangli district. An ash rain was also observed today, May 25, at 1 a.m. local time.
Several flights in Ngurah Rai Airport have been cancelled, while others were diverted. According to Polana Paramesti, director general of air transport, this is due to the fact that different airlines simply employ different safety assessment regulations. She further elaborated that the eruption is being monitored closely by the authorities.
Source: Channel News Asia
Image: Netral News