Bali on high volcanic alert

November 27, 2017

Fears of an imminent major eruption of Bali’s Mount Agung have increased and many people around the volcano have been evacuated.

Indonesian authorities have raised the state of alert to its highest level.

The island’s airport has now closed, leaving thousands stranded in the tourist hotspot.

Authorities say dark smoke and ash have been billowing up to 3,400m above the mountain’s summit, which has also been emitting fire.

Officials have warned residents to stay away from rock and debris flows known as lahars, which have been spotted flowing down from the mountain.

The volcano was seen emitting “continuous ash puffs” occasionally accompanied by “explosive eruptions” and “weak booms” that could be heard 12km (7 miles) from the summit.

“The rays of fire are increasingly observed at night. This indicates the potential for a larger eruption is imminent,” the National Board for Disaster Management said in a statement.

1. Who is the main person or group of people in this news article? Things on an imminent major eruption of Bali’s Mount Agung have increased and many people around the volcano have been evacuated.    

2. What was the key event from the news article? Indonesian authorities have raised the state alert to its highest level.

3. Where did this event take place? Authorities say that dark smoke and ash have been billowing up 3,400m above the mountain summit which has been emitting fire.

4. When did this event take place? The island’s airport has now closed leaving thousands stranded in the tourist hotspot.