Bali evacuations amid fears of volcanic eruption

Authorities in Indonesia are continuing to evacuate tens of thousands of people living close to a volcano that threatening to erupt on Bali. Around 62,000 people live in the so-called “danger zone” around Mount Agung on the eastern part of the island that’s famous for being an idyllic holiday spot. So far only 50,000 have moved into temporary shelters set up in schools and town-halls in neighbouring villages. There has been increased volcanic activity over a number of weeks, and more recently hundreds of tremors and signs of magma rising to the surface. The alert has prompted several countries to issue travel warnings. For now, no flights in or out of the island have been cancelled. On Sunday, a 200-metre high column of smoke was seen rising from the mountain. Officials have urged the public to remain calm amid false reports and videos circulating online of an eruption. Indonesia, which sits on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, has nearly 130 active volcanoes, more than any other country.