Bali Volcano update: State of Emergency in Bali Extended as Mount Agung Rumbles

Debpasar, MINA – Mount Agung has been on the highest alert level since September 22 after volcanologists detected a surge of seismic activity underneath the volcano.

Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika first imposed a state of emergency on September 29 with plans to remove it on October 12.

The end date was initially pushed back to October 16 but was lengthened again to October 26. The alert has now been extended a third time to November 9.

The Bali volcano has seen a marked drop in seismic activity in recent days and is showing no signs of an imminent eruption but experts warn the danger remains.

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Officials are hesitant to lower the alert status because this type of volcanic fluctuation does not necessarily mean the danger has passed.

Kasbani, head of the PVMBG, told Indonesia’s Antara News earlier this week: “Although the activity has declined, it [seismicity] remained high.”

Latest official estimates suggest about 135,000 Bali locals remain in 385 evacuation camps on the island, with about 30,000 more staying with friends or family.

Bali’s Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) revealed this morning that the threat of a Mount Agung eruption has cost the island an eye-watering £112million (Rp2 trillion). (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)