Chaos has struck the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’, with flights carrying extra fuel in case of a major volcanic eruption, more than 75,000 people fleeing a Balinese region and the possibility of the evacuation of an entire island in Vanuatu.
Airlines flying from Australia to Bali, including Jetstar and Virgin Australia, are taking on excess jet fuel in case Mount Agung erupts, after smoke was seen billowing from the active volcano and strong earthquake tremors were recorded in the area.
The activity has led to more than 75,000 people fleeing the danger zone, within 12 kilometres, around Bali’s highest point.
There are also fears the entire population of Ambae island in Vanuatu will have to be evacuated after the Monaro volcano suddenly began spewing lava on Saturday.
Catastrophe has struck the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’ with flights carrying extra fuel in case of a major volcanic eruption, more than 75,000 people fleeing a Balinese region and the possibility of the evacuation of an entire island in Vanuatu
Airlines flying from Australia to Bali, including Jetstar and Virgin Australia, are taking on excess petrol in case Mount Agung erupts, after smoke was seen billowing from the active volcano and strong tremors were recorded in the area
There are also fears the entire population of Ambae island in Vanuatu will have to be evacuated after the Monaro volcano suddenly began spewing lava on Saturday
Australian and Singaporean airlines still flying to Bali have confirmed they will be carrying extra fuel in case Agung erupts, but say flights are operating normally until further notice.
The planes will be safeguarded with the increased petrol should they need to divert away from the area due to a volcanic explosion.
Companies have issued warnings to people wanting to travel to the effected areas, but say only a small minority have cancelled their plans.
Already more than 75,000 people have been evacuated from the area around the volcano, which has a dense population because of the richness of the volcanic soil.
An Indonesian solider takes a photo of Mount Agung as smoke billows out of the volcano which has been emitting strong tremors in the past few days
Villagers rests at a temporary evacuation centre, for people living near Mount Agung, Bali
Agung last erupted in 1963, sending lava flowing as far as seven kilometres into villages and debris ejected as high as 10 kilometres in the air. The explosion claimed more than 1,000 lives
Agung last erupted in 1963, sending lava flowing as far as seven kilometres into villages and debris ejected as high as 10 kilometres in the air. The explosion claimed more than 1,000 lives.
Bali President Joko Widodo visited the area on Tuesday, encouraging local residents to evacuate the area and seek safety in the shelters set up for those without homes.
‘While the government will continue to try to minimize the economic losses of the community, the most important priority is the safety of the people here,’ Widodo said.
‘So I ask all people around Mount Agung to follow instructions from the officials and minimize the impact of this volcano.’
Australian Bali Nine member Scott Rush is among the 166 prisoners moved from the notorious Karangasem jail which could be affected if Agung erupts.
Australian Bali Nine member Scott Rush (pictured) is amoung the 166 prisoners moved from Karangasem jail which could be affected if Mount Agung volcano erupts
People wait inside an evacuation centre in Klungkung regency, on the Indonesian resort island of Bali
The sudden activity of the Monaro volcano in Vanuatu shocked residents despite it being active since 2005.
There are fears a major eruption may now occur, risking the lives of everyone on Ambae island. A total evacuation is now a very real possibility.
Vanuatu’s National Disaster Management Office said an emergency would be declared for the small island with the activity measure being raised to level four.
The sudden activity of the Monaro volcano in Vanuatu shocked residents despite it being active since 2005
There are fears a major eruption may now occur, risking the lives of everyone on Ambae island. A total evacuation is now a very real possibility
Vanuatu’s Meteorology and Geohazards Department said that villagers within 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) of the volcano face the biggest risk from airborne rocks and volcanic gas
‘There’s ash, fire, stones and lava being thrown out from the mouth of the volcano. There’s a lot of activity,’ Disaster Mangement director Shadrack Welegtabit said.
More than 6,000 people have already been evacuated from areas within 6.5 kilometres from the volcano, and the entirety of its 10,000 population may be forced to leave their homes if the activity worsens.
The proximity of the citizens of the island to the volcano, particularly in the north and south, mean residents are at a high risk of toxic volcanic gas, debris and acid rain.
Vanuatu’s National Disaster Management Office said an emergency would be declared for the small island with the activity measure being raised to level four
About 10,000 people live on the island and those in the north and south are most vulnerable