A dense pillar of smoke looms over Mount Agung, Bali. Photo: National Disaster Mitigation Agency, Indonesia
Mount Agung in Bali, Indonesia, has been raised to the highest alert level and is expected to erupt soon, after the volcano began spewing ash and smoke on Monday last week.
Lahar, cold lava and mud has flowed down the mountain and flooded villages. While authorities say it is not toxic, they advise people to stay clear. The streams flowing down the mountain reach high speeds and its thick consistency make it extremely dangerous.
As many as 100,000 locals have already been evacuated, but many more have ignored warnings, to stay and care for livestock and plantations. Some locals have been seen wearing gas masks in order to continue their daily routines.
About 120,000 tourists are believed to be stranded as flights have been delayed and cancelled. Approximately 17,000 Chinese tourists are on the island of Bali.
Mount Agung, the highest point in Indonesia, initially erupted last week Saturday, and now authorities are braced for another explosive eruption. Keep an eye on the mountain here: