The National PVMBG Geological Agency is recording increasing volcanic and seismic activity. Overnight a satellite has detected thermal anomalies for the first time in the crater of Mount Agung, which indicates that magma of significant volume is already on the surface. Agung Volcano continues to erupt and medium pressure crater smoke is observed with medium intensity and ash plumes of up to 4,000 m above the summit of Mt. Agung.
The results of Himawari satellite image analysis show that the dominant spread of volcanic ash is to the southwest, attracted by tropical cyclone Cempaka, which is currently located in the Indian Ocean to the south of Yogyakarta, Central Java. This low pressure center causes volcanic emissions to follow the motion of the cyclone, directing ash clouds over the airspace of Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, hence Authorities have announced a further extension of the airport closure until November 29th at 07.00 am Central Indonesian Time. However, considering the ash cloud movements towards the southwest, there is a high possibility that the closure of the airport will need to be extended further.
The airport situation is evaluated every 6 hours and decisions to close or reopen will be based on wind direction, ash cloud location and ash emissions.
Operations on the island are generally running normal with activities in East Bali still suspended. Light ash fall has so far only been reported in the closer areas around the crater of Mt. Agung.
Whilst not all people within the danger zone are willing to evacuate, the handling of refugees is in general going well without panic in the communities. The previous recent evacuations and education efforts by the Government are helping with this.
Destination Asia Indonesia is monitoring the situation closely and is in constant touch with all its guests on the island. Our Customer Service Department is coordinating travel arrangements, alternative options and accommodation requirements with each guest directly.
Passengers scheduled to fly are advised to contact their airline as flights into Bali are currently cancelled. There is a possibility that the airport will remain closed over the coming days. We are closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates if the situation changes.
