Warning Levels Increased for Mount Agung

(9/24/2017)

BREAKING NEWS
The Indonesia Center for Volcanic Monitoring and the Mitigation of Geological Disaster (PVMG) increased the warning level for Bali’s Mount Agung from Level II – Waspada (Caution) to Level III – Siaga (Stand-by) on Monday, September 18, 2017 at 9:00 pm.

“Siaga” – Level 3 or “Stand By” alerts are used when the mountain is showing signs of a coming explosion with volcanic earth tremors occurring in close proximity to each other. At this stage, the mountain is officially declared “dangerous” with people living near the volcano urged to begin evacuating the area. Disaster mitigation personnel are put on “stand by.”

The next and highest level of alert is “Awas” and declared whenever experts feel a volcanic explosion is imminent. Evacuation becomes mandatory at this point.

RadarBali.com says the decision by was taken after an observation post on the mountain made visual observations and technical measurements throughout the day on September 18th.

“Based on the analyzed results and instrumental read outs, and considering the threat of the possible dangers, a decision was made at 9:00 pm on September 18, 2017 to raise the alert status on Mount Agung from Level II (Waspada) to Level III (Siaga),” said the Communications Officer of the PVMG in a press announcement.

Observers on Monday, September 18, 2017, saw low pressure, white smoke rising to a maximum of 50-meters from the mountain’s peak with flames emanating from the mountain top at 7:02 pm following an earth tremor.

Officials say the intensity of the earth tremors have increased sharply. Tremors with a magnitude of Md3.11 were recorded at 7:02 pm at the observation post in the Village of Randang,

Emissions of sulfur have also been documented.

The PVMG officials urged the public near the mountain to exercise caution and be vigilant in monitoring the volcano.

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