Bali volcano on highest alert level, thousands fle

דניאלדן

Bali volcano on highest alert level, thousands flee

8:41am Sep 23, 2017

Warning for Aussies heading to Bali

Indonesian officials raised the highest possible alert for a volcano on the resort island of Bali late Friday, after tremors prompted thousands to flee over fears it could erupt for the first time in more than 50 years.

Mount Agung, about 75km from the tourist hub of Kuta, has been rumbling since August and officials have recommended that people stay at least 9km away from the crater.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has advised Australian tourists in the area to monitor local media reports and follow the instructions of authorities.

An eruption could also affect air travel, and passengers should call their airline to confirm their travel plans.

Hundreds of small tremors have rattled the mountain this week, causing almost 10,000 people to leave their homes as of Friday over fears of a volcanic eruption.

"Tremors happen very often, so we are afraid and I have taken all my family members to the refugee shelter," villager I Wayan Suwarjana said.

Residents stay at a temporary shelter as they evacuate following increasing seismic activity of Mount Agung in Karangasem, Bali. (AAP) Residents stay at a temporary shelter as they evacuate from a dangerous area. (AAP)

National disaster agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho advised people to stay calm and not to believe rumours.