In Bali, the Agung volcano erupts: what makes the sacred mountain unique. Volcanic eruption on the island of Bali: Is there a danger to Russian tourists The danger of a volcanic eruption in Bali
The Agung volcano on the island of Bali began its eruption on the morning of April 21, throwing a two-kilometer column of smoke and ash into the sky, which then settled in the areas of Karangesem, Bangli and Klunglung. The ash ejection was recorded at 18:25 local time, and it was accompanied by a very loud crash, according to the Daily Mail. The eruption is assigned the third hazard status out of four possible.
The authorities are distributing masks to protect the respiratory tract from ash. It is forbidden to approach the volcano closer than four kilometers. However, some climbers ignored the warning and tried to climb the mountain.
The Indonesian authorities said the eruption did not affect Bali's main airport, Ngurah Rai International Airport, and it is still operating normally. But the volcano's constant activity could mean thousands of travelers could be trapped.
During the 2018 eruption, Jetstar, Qantas, AirAsia and Virgin Australia canceled flights at Denpasar Airport, leaving 5,000 people stranded on the island.
Thousands of people have been evacuated from the area since seismic activity resumed on the mountain in 2017 and small eruptions occur regularly. Two other active volcanoes, Bromo and Merapi on Java, are also on alert.
“This is a normal situation with an active volcano and the public should not panic as long as they remain outside the danger zone,” said Sutopo Purvo Nugroho, a spokesman for the national disaster mitigation agency.
Some foreign climbers, however, ignored the exclusion zone and tried to climb Mount Agung. They had to be evacuated by a rescue operation.
Indonesia is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions because the archipelago is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which stretches along the Pacific coast to the western coast of the Americas. Local government seismologists in the country monitor more than 120 active volcanoes.
On a small territory of the island of Bali, there are two active volcanoes at once: Batur and Agung.
Recall that the last eruption of the Agung volcano occurred in 1963. More than 1,100 people died as a result of the disaster.
A powerful eruption of Agung, according to forecasts of climatologists, can "slow down" global warming for about 5 years and temporarily cause a slight cooling.
By the way, an analysis of the statistics of eruptions in past decades and centuries shows that Batur and Agung erupt together or alternately. Agung and Batur are united by a common system of underground channels through which lava can move between their magma chambers, coming from a common magma source located at a depth of 10-30 kilometers.
Located in the eastern part of Bali, Agung Volcano is a highly revered and significant place for Indonesians. The local population calls Mount Agung sacred and considers it one of the most important attractions in Indonesia. Every year, thousands of tourists come to the foot of the volcano to admire the natural beauty and get in touch with the mystery that shrouds this place. This was the case until September 2017, when seismologists recorded strong tremors at the foot of the mountain.
Agung volcano eruption
People on duty at the observation post witnessed a steam plume released on September 29, 2017. At the same time, the presence of ash clouds was not observed. The exact same trail of steam was seen 3 weeks later. 1052 tremors were recorded at the foot of the mountain at that time.
On November 21, 2017, an Indonesian disaster management agency set a fourth volcanic warning level. This level indicated that a volcanic explosion could occur in the very near future. At the same time, at the end of November in 2017, none of the experts could say with certainty the exact date of the volcanic eruption.
Seismologists recorded the eruption of the Agung volcano on November 21. On this day, volcanic ash rose to a height equal to about 700 meters from the crater. On November 27, the eruption was repeated. A pillar of smoke rose over the sacred mountain to a height of 4000 meters from the crater. In this connection, the eruption was assigned the maximum hazard level.
Indonesians living within a 7.5 km radius of Mount Agung were urgently evacuated. Special breathing masks were distributed to people. Some villages located in the immediate vicinity of the volcano were covered with a layer of ash. Despite the current situation, the authorities failed to force some local residents to leave their homes urgently. People did not want to leave their pets unattended and evacuate to safer places to live.
But after the tallest smoke column was recorded over the volcano in Bali on November 27, seismologists came to the general conclusion that a larger-scale volcanic eruption, which may occur in the very near future, is almost inevitable.
In November 2017, approximately 40,000 Indonesians fled their homes, which were in the immediate vicinity of the volcano. They set up temporary camps after the exclusion zone was established around the sacred Mount Agung, the length of which, according to various sources, reaches 10-12 km.
Fire flashes over the Agung volcano on the island of Bali were observed at night. The Indonesian Disaster Prevention Agency has made statements that it is very dangerous to be in the exclusion zone. The villages located within a radius of up to 10 km were covered with a dense layer of thick ash, which made visibility very difficult. The evacuation of people continued constantly.
The sky above the volcano was covered with ash clouds. As you know, ash emitted into the air damages aircraft engines. Due to these conditions, dozens of flights were canceled every day.
The chronology of events taking place in Bali is compiled from September 2017 to the present:
- End of September 2017: a deep crack, about 80 m long, was formed in the crater of the volcano. Experts have calculated that inside the volcano there may be about 15 million m³ of magma, which moves in the direction of the crater, but cannot find a way out.
- Early October 2017: earthquakes regularly occur near the volcano for 2 weeks, which indicate that the magma cannot escape outward, breaking through the interfering solidified lava.
- November 27, 2017: Seismologists have established a 4 hazard level, magma is expected to erupt from day to day. Ngurah Rai Airport is closed due to the current situation. The volcano smokes and releases huge columns of ash. Lava eruption is observed at night.
- November 30, 2017: A pillar of light gray ash appeared over the crater. In the afternoon, the amount of ash emissions was significantly reduced. The airport resumed its work.
- Early December 2017: there are no visual signs of the volcano's activity; transparent water vapor periodically appears, spreading over a distance of up to 1.5 km.
- Mid-December 2017: experts noted a sharp reduction in harmful emissions, the height of the ash column decreased to 500-1000 m. The seismologists reduced the hazard level to the second.
- End of December 2017 - mid-January 2018: most of the time of the day the volcano is in a calm state, but sometimes ash pillars are released, 2-3 thousand m high.
- Mid-February 2018: The situation continues to be calm, and therefore the local authorities have allowed the Indonesians to return to their homes.
- March 2018: After a relative calm, which lasted for several months, the volcano began its activity again.
The last eruption of Agung took place in 1963. The natural disaster claimed the lives of more than 2,000 people.
Actual news
On March 15, the following news came from the island of Bali: at the moment, the Indonesian Disaster Prevention Agency has again recorded a small eruption of the Agung volcano. Smoke of a grayish color appeared from the crater of the volcano, the maximum height of the smoke column was about 700 m.
The authorities urge local residents not to lose their calm and not succumb to general panic. The exclusion zone currently reaches from 6-7.5 km.
According to the chief seismologist of Indonesia, there are many examples according to which the peak of volcanic activity stretched for 6 years. And a large-scale eruption that destroys everything in its path, in the end, may not be at all. After the expiration of the specified period, the activity of tremors gradually begins to subside.
Is it possible to fly to rest
In connection with the latest news, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a special warning for tourists who are currently on the island of Bali. According to this warning, when ash clouds appear from the crater of a volcano, before leaving for the airport, the tourist must coordinate the departure from the country with his travel agent or with representatives of the airline.
Russian citizens are urged to temporarily refrain from traveling to Bali by the Russian embassy in Indonesia.
Volcano Batur
The highest point of another famous volcano in Bali, called Batur, is located at an altitude of 1,717 m above sea level. Batur has three craters, which periodically emit small emissions of grayish smoke and ash, and tremors are felt at the foot of the volcano. The top of the volcano is covered with dark spots. These are traces of frozen lava, which remained after the devastating volcanic eruptions, which date back to 1917, 1926-1929, 1947 and 2000.
In 2000, a smoke column rose 300 m above the crater. There was no serious destruction, but the Indonesians were very alarmed by the activity of the volcano, because until that moment there had been no eruptions for half a century. Seismic activity was recorded by specialists in the fall of 2009. For several months, there was an increase in volcanic activity, but by the summer of 2010 seismologists made a statement that the eruption of the Batur volcano is not expected in the near future.
Indonesians use numerous rituals to appease the spirits of Mount Batur. The area in which it is located is very revered by the locals. It is not without reason that a large number of churches have been built along its perimeter. To avoid the activity of the volcano, the Indonesians held a special ceremony. People sewed a large sarong and wrapped it around Mount Batur. They prayed at the foot of the volcano and came to him with offerings.
Climbing volcanoes
Doesn't require any specific training. However, it is not recommended to climb to a height on your own. Before starting the ascent, you need to find an experienced guide. You can climb the Batur volcano for two hours, making several stops along the way for a short rest and a snack.
Guides accompanying tourists to the volcano crater must have a walkie-talkie with them in order to give a signal for help if necessary. These people are well-versed in the area and know how to reach the crater of the volcano by the shortest route.
The main impression for which people strive to get to the top of the volcano is the sunrise. The dawn, met in the crater of the volcano, will remain in memory for a long time, and the magnificent pictures taken in this place will leave the best memories of a trip to Bali.
How dangerous is a volcanic eruption in Bali (photo gallery)
At the most popular resort in Indonesia, the eruption of the Agung volcano continues. Some of the tourists leave the country, the authorities announced the evacuation of local residents. Photogallery DW.
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Ash cloud
The eruption of Mount Agung in Bali
Lava flow ejection
The eruption of Mount Agung in Bali
Highest point in Bali
The eruption of Mount Agung in Bali
Paradise under the ashes
The eruption of Mount Agung in Bali
"Still Safe"
The eruption of Mount Agung in Bali
Airports closed
The eruption of Mount Agung in Bali
The eruption of Mount Agung in Bali
Magma and ash
The eruption of Mount Agung in Bali
Bali precautions
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The eruption of Mount Agung in Bali
Ash cloud
The eruption of Mount Agung in northeastern Bali began over the weekend. As a result, nearby resorts and villages were covered with a thin layer of ash. Dark gray clouds over the top of the volcano were visible in the island's capital, Denpasar, and even from the neighboring island of Lombok.
The eruption of Mount Agung in Bali
Lava flow ejection
As night fell, a bright glow from the crater illuminated an ash cloud that rose 6,000 meters above the summit of Mount Agung. It began showing signs of activity back in September, prompting local authorities to raise the volcano's hazard status to emergency and evacuate 140,000 people living nearby. However, later, on October 29, the danger level was lowered.
The eruption of Mount Agung in Bali
Highest point in Bali
The Agung volcano is 3142 meters high and is the highest point of the island. As a result of gas and ash emissions, the operation of two airports at once was stopped - on the island of Bali and on the neighboring island of Lombok.
The eruption of Mount Agung in Bali
Paradise under the ashes
Bali Island is the main tourist center of Indonesia. Beautiful ocean beaches, temples and lush forests attract about 5 million tourists a year. But according to Made Sugiri, a spokesman for the local Mahagiri Panoramic hotel, the number of visitors has dropped in recent months: "We are out of the danger zone, but, like other resorts in the region, of course, the eruptions are causing an outflow of tourists."
The eruption of Mount Agung in Bali
"Still Safe"
The Indonesian Emergency Management Agency points out that Bali is "still safe" for tourists. The agency said in a statement that the emergency status for Agung remained at 3 over the weekend (one point below the highest hazard indicator). At the same time, despite a number of eruptions, volcanic activity remains relatively stable.
The eruption of Mount Agung in Bali
Airports closed
The situation was different with the status of air travel over the island - on Sunday, November 26, the level of danger here reached the highest - red - mark. Although many flights continued to operate, hundreds of people were stranded. As a result, the airport on the island of Lombok was first closed, and then the main international airport Ngurah Rai in Bali.
The eruption of Mount Agung in Bali
Exclusion zone around the volcano
As a result of the latest lava outbursts, about 25,000 people have fled their homes. The authorities urged everyone inside the exclusion zone within a radius of 7.5 kilometers from the volcano's crater to evacuate immediately. Mount Agung is one of over 120 active volcanoes in Indonesia. Its last major eruption, which happened in 1963, killed more than a thousand people.
The eruption of Mount Agung in Bali
Magma and ash
Volcanologists described the renewed activity of the Agung volcano on November 25 as a phreatic explosion, that is, an eruption with evaporation of smoke caused by the heating and expansion of groundwater. On November 26, authorities said that, judging by the settling of the ash, a magmatic eruption had already begun.
The eruption of Mount Agung in Bali
Bali precautions
"Mount Agung is still spewing ash, but we need to watch closely and be prepared for a more powerful, explosive eruption," warns Indonesian volcanologist Gede Suantika. Soldiers and police are handing out protective masks to people in nearby villages and resorts.
Ah, Bali - Bali! The island is a fairy tale ... The island is a dream ... But since the beginning of August 2017, the tourist flow here has turned from fat into a very narrow one. Especially until early November. And the reason for this is the Agung volcano and its likely eruption.
Agung is a volcano that stands here on the island and occasionally tickles the nerves of all locals and tourists at the same time. The last time the Agung volcano tickled them to people was about 54 years ago, and now it began to wake up again in August 2017. And this is not just a volcano for a second. It's a super volcano! And this means that if he shies away, it will not seem a little!
Who and what will not seem enough, how to behave on the island, if it still starts to erupt? And in general: is it dangerous to vacation in Bali in 2017-2018? In today's first-hand article - from an employee of our editorial office, who has been there for a month and is not going to leave yet. 🙂
By the way, if you want to visit one of the volcanoes of Bali, then you can do it. - approx. edition.
Volcano Agung in Bali
The Agung volcano is translated from the Indonesian language as “big”. And it was near (only 50 km.) From this dangerous colossus that we settled exactly 1.5 months ago. While still in Russia, we already heard that a large dangerous mountain began to wake up and could begin to erupt at any moment. When we found out about this, tickets had already been bought, and we decided not to change our plans, despite the danger.
In addition, this is not the first time we are on the island and have already managed to make ourselves several Russian friends who live here permanently. They told us that the danger exists only directly for people who are near the volcano. This means that the situation is very local. The worst that can happen is the airport will be closed. But even in this case, you can get here from the capital of Indonesia - Jakarta by water.
In general, after weighing all the pros and cons, we realized that we would go. The last few days before departure, we feverishly followed the news from the media, realizing that journalists are forced to exaggerate everything. Today, news about Agunga still keeps many Russians on their toes. But! Everything in order ...
Volcano Agung woke up
Agung is awake! Like a bolt from the blue, this news has exploded on the Internet and on the radio since August 2017. Personally, it still surprises me - how did this information not get into the TV ?! It is thanks to this that my mother still does not know anything about this and lives quietly in the Arctic Circle, not suspecting anything about the danger that wanders 50 km from her beloved daughter. 🙂 But on the radio and on the Internet, journalists painted a very sad picture ...
What they say today, the Agung volcano woke up and if something - will not spare anyone! Someone, of course, was insanely happy: “Otherwise it’s too good for all those who travel to Bali! Let them suffer too, bastards! :-) ”Others were wildly scared and handed over their tickets, others decided to rest in a safer place, the fourth - like thugs like us, packed their bags and drove off at their own peril and risk. And what, in fact, was the risk?
And here's what:
- could close the airport, and for a long time. You would have to fool around with tickets, look for a way through the ferry from Jakarta - and this whole adventure is not very comfortable and very long.
- the volcano can still really jump out at any moment, and for sure no one guarantees anything. Well, that is, not only those in the affected area will have a hard time. The airport will be closed, there will be problems with the supply of food on the island, volcanic ash will fall on your head for some time ... Real Silent Hill (who knows, he understands). :)
- and to a heap: through the water from the volcano, poisonous substances can spread throughout the island, and it may well spill on the heads of locals and tourists - poisonous rain ... And then everyone will be in trouble! Not only to the inhabitants of the mountains ...
“Beauty” ... Isn't that so ?!
At least - this is how the media described the situation. Yes, the media, of course, love to embellish everything, but damn it ... After all, no one gives a guarantee that everything will be wrong at all! 🙂 We understood that.
But upon arrival on the island we were greeted by a smiling Balinese who assured us that there was no danger. That Agung changed his mind about erupting and again decided to fall asleep ... And like there is no real threat to tourists, and then in 63rd just no one really had any cars or motorcycles - so people got into a situation in which many died ... They just didn’t fully believe that it would explode and, as a result, didn’t have time to leave the affected area in time ... Something like that!
He finally reassured us with the words that his family now lives 4 km away. from the epicenter and you shouldn't worry at all!
We were, of course, encouraged by this - to be honest. But doubts still remained ... Then we decided to go directly to the affected area and see the handsome man with our own eyes! So, the Agung volcano and the latest events in Bali - through the eyes of eyewitnesses :).
Latest news about Agung by early November
News about Agung in the beginning of November on the network has already died down. The latter were dated mid-October. Just at this time, the young man and I went there. We waited out the full moon, as the volcanologists were afraid that the greatest risk of an explosion was right on the full moon, got on the bike and drove off.
The locals told us that the best view of the mountain is from the neighboring super-volcano - Batur. Which, by the way, for the common good has long been sleeping soundly. He is many times bigger than Agung. And if Batur explodes, then the whole island can accidentally really go under water ... But the current informational occasion is Agung in Bali today.
Journey to Active Agung
The news about the Agung volcano in Bali, as I said, did not stop us from going straight to the affected area - that is, 9 km. from his vent. On the way to meet the "scarecrow" of a million tourists, we met:
1. Luxurious tangerine grove with fresh tangerines.
2. Stunning views of the neighboring mountains from the Batur volcano.
3. Bush! Oh Gods, this bright bush.
As always: super - beautiful road to the place and amazing views along the way. We took a lot of pictures, filmed and moved directly to Agung.
UPD on 28.11: Eruption of Mount Agung
And it would seem that everyone has already relaxed, but Agung did erupt! Honestly, when I just sat down to write this article, the locals were already saying in unison that everything - there would be no eruption. And take it and start!
On November 21, just after we met my boyfriend's mother, who came to visit us from Russia, Agung began to erupt. Just like ordered! 🙂 But I hasten to calm all those suffering from blood and sensations: nothing terrible is happening yet.
The volcano stands and soars little by little. This is the steam eruption of Agung. The only moment that really annoys tourists and locals is a small flood. Due to the huge amount of hot evaporation on the island, such a large-scale tropical downpour was poured on the island that it is said that even slippers swam along the way! 🙂
Why do they say? Because we ourselves are not in Bali now, but nearby on the Gili Islands. And today we saw even a small tornado over Bali from the island of Gili - Air. I hope that in a couple of days before our arrival, this whole apocalypse will end and we can safely move to Thailand! 🙂
Agung in Bali today
Agung's activity in August - September 2017 forced many local residents to strain in a serious way. They regularly prayed to the local spirits to put the dangerous mountain back to sleep. They arranged lavish ceremonies in their temples. And it looks like their collective intention is bearing fruit. Volcano Agung - only steam erupts. The ceremonies themselves are held in such temples:
The eruption of Agung in Bali really does not cause serious damage to the island, just by some miracle!
Probably that is why for 3 km. to the affected area, when we went to the volcano in October, some Balinese women stopped us, glued rice to our foreheads, lit our bike, put some wooden beads on my neck, twisted, whispered something and let me go with God farther! 🙂
Probably that is why for 3 km. Before the affected area, some Balinese women stopped us, glued rice to our foreheads, lit up our bike, put some wooden beads around my neck, twisted, whispered something and let us continue with God! 🙂
It kind of calmed us down, of course, but it became somehow easier ... Both in our souls and in our pockets ... So - as the priestesses of the island of dreams, naturally, they carried out the procedure for clearing karma, well, not for free. To clean karma now costs about 400 rubles for our money. Well, you must agree - life is more expensive! 🙂
The eruption of Mount Agung in 1963
On the way to the Agung volcano, my faithful and I, of course, once again discussed the history of the 63rd year, when people really suffered (several hundred). Did they really pray to their Gods to the very end near the vent, hoping that he would change his mind ?! Getting acquainted with the local mentality, we more and more come to the conclusion that - yes. And so it was. The local people honor their land, their home, their very place of birth. And they don't care if even this place is in such a dangerous zone.
The possible eruption of Agung in Bali does not prevent them from living their normal lives. The one that their ancestors lived. Here is the inscription that right now we are in the zone of destruction or exclusion, as it is also called:
But people who continue to fall asleep and wake up here ... Take their children to school, work, have breakfast, lunch and dinner ... Life goes on:
To this day, there is a forum about Agung in Bali, where people discuss whether it will explode or not. Many members of the VKontakte island community also raise this topic. But lately, the majority have agreed that the danger has passed ...
But, you know, when you stand so close to the mountain ... The sensations are simply unimaginable ...
I would have gone further, right there to the foot, but my young man turned out to be wiser and more prudent, however, as always :). We drove by, and for dessert a beautiful beach was waiting for us, which is also in the exclusion zone. His name is Virgin Beach. Here he is - handsome ...
They say that the sand here used to be completely white. But after the eruption of Agung in 1968, it mixed with volcanic lava and became like this - with black blotches. But this is also great ... Soon I will write a great review of all the beaches of the island and, perhaps, give him the honorable first place in the top of my heart :).
And here is a view of the Agung volcano from the entrance to the beach - Virgin Beach:
Conclusions about Agung in 2017
Agung on the map of the paradise island of Bali is a thorn in the head of many tourists ... This dangerous neighbor does not let all residents from Karangasem to Ubud sleep, he makes everyone remember and understand very well: life is just a journey, and we: guests are on this earth ... No matter how important we may seem to ourselves such a large volcano, how Agung can drastically intervene in the fate of everyone and disrupt that “hard” tomorrow, cross out all our plans, smash all ideas, dreams and hopes to shreds ...
So far, he simply stands and releases powerful steam columns upward, but no one could guarantee that the eruption of Agung would stop there ... Anything could happen! Any time…
Perhaps that is why the inhabitants of the island are closest to the life of Buddhists and all the enlightened ones. The main wisdom tells us: “the past has passed, the future has not yet come, there is only - here and now ...” And not a single force of the world guarantees to any of us that we will live in this world for at least a minute ... That is why, Balinese rejoice! They smile every day. They smile even during the funeral of their relatives. Yes, they do not just smile, but sing and dance! 🙂
But somehow I completely went into philosophy ... Let's get back to the facts:
Volcano Agung- the steam is erupting right now. So far, nothing serious is happening, but no one gives any guarantees.
For local residents, it is of great importance.
Agung, the tallest stratovolcano in the Indonesian island of Bali, emitted a column of ash and gas that rose to a height of two kilometers. The eruption was assigned the third of four levels of danger, the authorities are evacuating and forbidding people to approach the site of the eruption.
It is believed that Alung, unlike others located on this territory, erupted much less often than others during its residence in its vicinity. At the same time, it has a significant impact on the island - including its climate.
According to some reports, the legends of Bali say that Alung is a copy of Meru - a sacred mountain in the cosmology of Hinduism and Buddhism, which is considered as the center of all material universes. In this regard, Alung itself is also perceived by the inhabitants of the island as a sacred mountain. This is probably due to the fact that from the side the volcano resembles a cone of "ideal" shape. Its height is almost three kilometers, which makes it the highest point of the island.
The current eruption is a manifestation of volcanic activity that has been observed since 2017. Prior to this, the volcano erupted in 1843, and then in 1963-1964, and the eruption recorded in 1963 is considered one of the most powerful in the history of Indonesia. The 2017 eruption was accompanied by tremors. A new episode, as a result of which a large amount of smoke and volcanic dust soared into the air, was captured on video. In connection with the eruption, Bali International Airport canceled all inbound and outbound flights, and authorities banned both locals and tourists from approaching the volcano within four kilometers.
A month ago, the volcano Popocatepetl erupted in Mexico, the appearance of which was dedicated to the legends of the Aztecs.
