In Indonesia, on the island of Bali, the sacred volcano Agung woke up. The island temporarily closed the airport and canceled 450 flights. The locals consider the volcano sacred and pray when it wakes up.

Volcano Agung on the island of Bali in Indonesia is in its active phase. On June 27, he began to throw ashes to a height of 2.5 kilometers in a radius of four kilometers. By June 29, the eruption became stronger, and the Indonesian authorities decided to close the main airport. In addition to him, two small air harbors that operated domestic flights were suspended in Bali.

“Ngurah Rai International Airport is closed on June 29 from 03:00 to 19:00 due to the ash of Mount Agung (from 22:00 Moscow time on Thursday to 14:00 Moscow time on Friday),” they wrote on the airport's official Twitter page.

In Bali, 450 flights were canceled, affecting nearly 75,000 people. A four-kilometer security zone was organized around the volcano. About 300 people were evacuated from the disaster zone. Bali is the most popular Indonesian island among Russians. According to the results of 2017 alone, almost 100 thousand of our compatriots visited it.

Rostourism reported the eruption of the Agung volcano and urged Russians to take this information into account. “The Federal Tourism Agency recommends that Russian tourists staying in Bali, as well as planning a trip to the island in the coming days, take into account information about the temporary closure of the Ngurah Rai airport, follow the messages of local authorities and confirm departure dates with tour operators,” it says. in the message of Rostourism.

The agency said that it is in touch with the situational crisis center of the Russian Foreign Ministry and the Russian Embassy in Indonesia. On this moment There were no requests from Russian tourists.

The airport in Indonesia opened on June 29. “The authorities of the island recommend that all vacationers pay attention to official information from hotel management and request the necessary information on the operation of the airport and flight schedules. Tourists whose flights were canceled due to the activity of Mount Agung will be offered special prices for accommodation in hotels in Bali," Interfax was told in the press service of the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism.

Uncharacteristic cataclysms

A local resident and founder of the BaliStalker project, AlexStalker, told 360 that he is located at a distance of 40-50 kilometers from the Agung volcano. The eruption began on June 28 and is still ongoing, with only some interruptions. “Flights were suspended for some time, but now the communication has been restored,” he said.

Volcanoes erupt almost every day in Indonesia, so you can be calm

AlexStalker local.

The interlocutor said that the periodic activity of the volcano was recorded back in November 2017. But what is happening now on the island cannot be called an eruption. “At the moment, there are only emissions of ash and smoke,” said a local resident. He clarified that there is no danger of staying on the island.

“For security reasons, it is worth staying no closer than 15 kilometers from the crater itself, from where you can enjoy the wonderful sight given to us by our wonderful planet,” the source said.

“Agung woke up in Bali, and it immediately becomes clear why the Balinese revere him as the most important shrine on the island. The true lord of the island! Manku Jati said about Agung's eruption that they prayed all night. On the island, everyone is discussing the awakening of the volcano, the airport was closed at night. But, unlike the eruption in November last year, everyone is calm, continuing to lead a normal life, ”he captioned the photo.

There are no casualties, no panic, everything is quiet and calm, it just smokes

Anna Sinyavskayalocal resident.

A resident of Bali, Anna Sinyavskaya, told 360 that such cataclysms occur due to uncharacteristic rains for the summer period. “A lot of water got into the crater of the volcano, because of which it began to smoke,” she said.

Flights were indeed canceled on the island - passengers could neither fly nor fly to the island. The interlocutor noted that the last time, in November 2017, the eruption was much larger.

deadly volcano

At the end of November 2017, the Agung volcano, which the locals consider sacred, also showed its activity. The level of danger was so high that the country's authorities evacuated about 100 thousand people. Then dark smoke and ash rose to a height of 3.4 kilometers above the top of the volcano. In its past activity, the volcano even erupted flames.

Ngurah Rai Airport was also closed in November. Thousands of tourists, 300 of whom are Russians, could not leave the resort. Among them was also Russian producer Maxim Fadeev.

However, the deadliest eruption occurred in 1963. Then the highest point of Bali lives 1.6 thousand people, and 220 thousand had to temporarily leave their homes.

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Oh, Bali - Bali! The island is a fairy tale... The island is a dream... But since the beginning of August 2017, the tourist flow here has turned from fat into a very narrow one. Especially before the beginning of November. And the reason for this is the Agung volcano and its likely eruption.

Agung is a volcano that stands here on the island and periodically tickles the nerves of all the locals and tourists at the same time. The last time the Agung volcano tickled them about 54 years ago, and now it began to wake up again in August 2017. And for a second, this is not just a volcano. This is a super volcano! And this means that if he shied away, it would not seem enough!

To whom and what will it not seem enough how to behave on the island, if it still starts to erupt? And in general: is it dangerous to relax in Bali in 2017-2018? In today's article, first-hand - from an employee of our editorial office, who has been there for a month and is not going to leave yet. 🙂

By the way, if you want to visit one of Bali's volcanoes, then it can be done. - approx. editions.

Volcano Agung in Bali

Volcano Agung is translated from the Indonesian language as "big". And it was right next to (only 50 km.) from this dangerous colossus that we settled exactly 1.5 months ago. While still in Russia, we already heard that a large dangerous mountain began to wake up and could begin to erupt at any moment. When we found out about this, tickets had already been bought, and we decided not to change our plans, despite the danger.

In addition, this is not the first time we have been on the island and we have already managed to make a few Russian friends who live here permanently. They told us that the danger exists only directly for people who are close to the volcano. This means that the situation is very local. The worst thing that can happen is that the airport will be closed. But even in this case, you can get here from the capital of Indonesia - Jakarta by water.

In general, after weighing all the pros and cons, we realized that we would go. The last few days before departure, we feverishly followed the news from the media, realizing that journalists are forced to exaggerate everything. Today, news about Agung still keeps many Russians in suspense. But! First things first…

Volcano Agung woke up

Agung woke up! Like a bolt from the blue, this news broke out on the Internet and on the radio since August 2017. Personally, I am still surprised - how did this information not get on TV ?! It is thanks to this that my mother still does not know anything about this and lives quietly in the Arctic Circle, not suspecting anything about the danger that wanders 50 km from her beloved daughter. 🙂 But on the radio and on the Internet, journalists painted a very sad picture ...

That they say the Agung volcano woke up today, and if anything, it will not spare anyone! Someone, of course, madly rejoiced: “It’s too good for all those who travel to Bali! Let them suffer too, bastards! :-)” Others were wildly frightened and handed over tickets, others decided to safe place, fourth - like scumbags like us, packed our bags and went at our own peril and risk. What exactly was the risk?

But which one:

• could close the airport, and for a long time. I would have to fool around with tickets, look for a way through the ferry from Jakarta - and this whole adventure is not very comfortable and very long.
• the volcano can still really shirk at any moment, and for sure no one guarantees anything. Well, that is, it will not be easy for those who are in the affected area. The airport will be closed, there will be problems with the supply of food on the island, volcanic ash will fall on your head for some time ... A real Silent Hill (whoever is in the subject understands it). :)
• and to the heap: poisonous substances can spread throughout the island through the water from the volcano, and it can also spill on the heads of locals and tourists - poisonous rain ... And then everyone will not be happy! Not only the inhabitants of the mountains ...

“Beauty”… Isn't it?!

At least that's how the media portrayed the situation. Yes, the media, of course, love to embellish everything, but damn it ... After all, no one gives a guarantee that everything will not be like that at all! 🙂 We understood that.

But upon arrival on the island, we were met by a smiling Balinese who assured us that there was no danger. That Agung changed his mind about erupting and again decided to fall asleep ... And there was no real threat to tourists, and then in 1963 no one else really had cars or motorcycles - so people got into a situation in which many died ... They just didn’t fully believe that it would explode, and as a result, they didn’t have time to leave the affected area in time ... Something like that!

Finally, he reassured us with the words that his family right now lives 4 km away. from the epicenter and you should not worry at all!

Of course, it encouraged us - I will say frankly. But, doubts still remained ... Then we decided to go straight to the affected area and see the handsome man with our own eyes! So, the Agung volcano and the latest events in Bali - through the eyes of eyewitnesses :).

Latest news about Agung by the beginning of November

News about Agung in early November in the network has already subsided. The latter date back to mid-October. Just at this time, the young man and I went there. We waited out the full moon, as volcanologists were afraid that the biggest risk of an explosion was just on the full moon, got on the bike and drove off.

The locals told us that the best view of the mountain opens from the neighboring super-volcano - Batur. Which, by the way, for the common good, has long been sleeping soundly. He is many times greater than Agung. And if Batur explodes, then the whole island may accidentally go under water ... But the current informational reason is Agung in Bali today.

Journey to active Agung

The news about the Agung volcano in Bali, as I said, did not stop us from driving straight into the affected area - that is, 9 km. from his mouth. On the way to meet the “scarecrower” of a million tourists, we met:

1. Gorgeous tangerine grove with fresh tangerines.

2. Stunning view of the neighboring mountains from Batur volcano.

3. Bush! Oh, Gods, this bright bush.

Super, as always - beautiful road to the place and amazing views along the way. We took plenty of pictures, filmed on camera and moved directly to Agung.

UPD from 28.11: Agung volcano eruption

And now it would seem that everyone has already relaxed, and Agung still made an eruption! Honestly, when I just sat down to write this article, the locals already all said in unison that that was it - there would be no eruption. Take it and get started!

On November 21, just after we met my young man's mother, who came to visit us from Russia, Agung began to erupt. Just like ordered! 🙂 But I hasten to reassure all those suffering from blood and sensation: nothing terrible is happening yet.

The volcano stands to itself and slowly soars. This is the steam eruption of Agung. The only moment that really annoys tourists and locals is a small flood. Due to the huge amount of hot evaporation, such a large-scale tropical downpour was spilled on the island that they say that even slippers floated on the road! 🙂

Why are they talking? Yes, because we ourselves are not in Bali now, but nearby on the Gili Islands. And today we saw even a small tornado over Bali from the island of Gili - Air. I hope that in a couple of days, by our arrival, this whole apocalypse will end and we will be able to safely move to Thailand! 🙂

Agung in Bali today

The activity of Agung in August-September 2017 made many local residents tense up in a serious way. They regularly prayed to local spirits to put them to sleep again. dangerous mountain. They held magnificent ceremonies in their temples. And it seems that their collective intention is bearing fruit. Volcano Agung - erupts only by ferry. The ceremonies themselves are held here in such temples:

The eruption of Agung in Bali does not really cause serious damage to the island, just by some miracle!

Perhaps that is why for 3 km. to the affected area, when we went to the volcano in October, some Balinese women stopped us, stuck rice on our foreheads, lit up our bike, put some wooden beads around my neck, twisted around, whispered something and let God go further! 🙂

Perhaps that is why for 3 km. some Balinese women stopped us before the kill zone, stuck rice on our foreheads, lit up our bike, put some wooden beads around my neck, twirled around, whispered something and let go on with God! 🙂

It didn’t calm us much, of course, but it somehow became easier ... Both in the soul and in the pockets ... So - as the priestesses of the island of dreams, of course, carried out the procedure for clearing karma, well, not for free. Cleaning karma now costs about 400 rubles with our money. Well, you see, life is more expensive! 🙂

Agung volcano eruption in 1963

On the way to the Agung volcano, of course, my faithful and I once again discussed the history of 1963, when people really suffered (several hundred). Did they really pray to their Gods near the vent until the last, hoping that he would change his mind?! Getting acquainted with the local mentality, we are increasingly coming to the conclusion that yes. And so it was. The local people honor their land, their home, their place of birth. And they don't care if even this place is in such a dangerous zone.

The possible eruption of Agung in Bali does not prevent them from living a normal life. The one that their ancestors lived. Here is an inscription stating that right now we are in the zone of destruction or exclusion, as it is also called:

And here are the people who continue to fall asleep and wake up here ... Take their children to school, work, have breakfast, lunch and dinner ... Life goes on:

To this day, there is a forum about Agung in Bali, where people discuss whether he will explode or not. Many members of the VKontakte island community also raise this topic. But lately, most have agreed that the danger has passed ...

But, you know, when you stand so close to the mountain ... The sensations are simply unimaginable ...

I would have gone further, straight to the foot, but my young man turned out to be wiser and more prudent, however, as always :). We drove by, and for dessert a beautiful beach awaited us, which is also located in the exclusion zone. Its name is Virgin Beach. Here he is handsome...

They say that before the sand here was absolutely white. But after Agung's eruption in 1968, it mixed with volcanic lava and became like this - with black patches. But this is also wonderful ... Soon I will write a big review of all the beaches of the island and, perhaps, I will give it an honorable first place in the top of my heart :).

And here is the view of the Agung volcano from the entrance to the beach - Virgin Beach:

Conclusions about Agung in 2017

Agung on the map paradise island Bali is a thorn in the head of many tourists… This dangerous neighbor keeps all residents from Karangasem to Ubud awake, he makes everyone remember and realize very well that life is just a journey, and we, the guests, are on this earth. No matter how important we may seem to ourselves big volcano how Agung can drastically intervene in the fate of everyone and disrupt that very “solid” tomorrow, cross out all our plans, smash all ideas, dreams and hopes to shreds ...

So far, it just stands and releases powerful steam columns upwards, but not a single person could guarantee that Agung's eruption will stop on this ... Anything can happen! Any time…

Perhaps that is why the inhabitants of the island are closest to the life of Buddhists and any enlightened ones. The main wisdom tells us: “the past has passed, the future has not yet come, there is only here and now ...” And not a single force in the world guarantees any of us that we will live in this world for at least a minute more ... That is why, the Balinese rejoice! Smile every day. They smile even during the funeral of their relatives. And not just smile, but sing and dance! 🙂

But something I completely went into philosophy ... Let's get back to the facts:

Volcano Agung- the ferry is erupting right now. So far, nothing serious has happened, but no one gives any guarantees.

Volcano Agung on the island of Bali began its eruption on the morning of April 21, throwing a two-kilometer column of smoke and ash into the sky, which then settled in the areas of Karangesem, Bangli and Klunglung. Ash emission was recorded at 18:25 local time, and it was accompanied by a very strong roar, according to the Daily Mail. The eruption has been assigned the third danger status out of a possible four.

Authorities are handing out face masks to protect the respiratory tract from the ash. It is forbidden to approach the volcano closer than four kilometers. However, some climbers ignored the warning and attempted to climb the mountain.

Indonesian authorities said the eruption did not affect Bali's main airport. international Airport Ngurah Rai, and he is still working as usual. But the constant activity of the volcano could mean thousands of travelers could be trapped.

During the 2018 eruption, Jetstar, Qantas, AirAsia and Virgin Australia canceled flights at Denpasar Airport and 5,000 people were stranded on the island.

Thousands of people have been evacuated from the area since seismic activity resumed on the mountain in 2017 and small eruptions occur regularly. Two other active volcanoes, Bromo and Merapi on the island of Java, are also on alert.

“This is a normal situation with an active volcano and the public should not panic as long as they remain outside the danger zone,” said national disaster mitigation agency spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho.

Some foreign climbers, however, ignored the exclusion zone and attempted to climb Mount Agung. They had to be evacuated with a rescue operation.

Indonesia is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions as the archipelago sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" that runs along the coast. Pacific Ocean before west coast Northern and South America. Local government seismologists in the country monitor more than 120 active volcanoes.

In a small area of ​​the island of Bali, there are two active volcanoes at once: Batur and Agung.

Recall that the last eruption of Mount Agung occurred in 1963. More than 1,100 people died as a result of the disaster.

The powerful eruption of Agung, according to climatologists, can "slow down" global warming by about 5 years and temporarily cause a slight cooling.

By the way, an analysis of the statistics of eruptions in the past decades and centuries shows that Batur and Agung erupt together or alternately. Agung and Batur are united by a common system of underground channels through which lava can move between their magma chambers, coming from a common magma source located at a depth of 10-30 kilometers.

Bookings of air tickets from Moscow to the island of Bali, where the airport is closed due to a volcanic eruption, have decreased tenfold today. Volcano Agung did not throw out such a column of ash for half a century. And now, according to various sources, it rises to a height of four to eight kilometers. Everything within a radius of eight kilometers is covered with a thin layer. Among those who cannot fly out of the island are five to six thousand of our compatriots.

The red-hot wall of smoke and ash over the island of Bali exceeds 4 kilometers. An orange glow at the base is a sign that lava has already poured out of the mouth of the Agung volcano. The sacred mountain woke up over the weekend. Today, the level of anxiety has been raised to the maximum - the fourth level. The cooled streams of volcanic rocks mixed with water and mud - here they are called lahars - reached the foot of the mountain by morning, threatening the villages located nearby. About 100,000 people were ordered to leave the adjacent area within a radius of 12 kilometers.

There is a high probability that in the near future there will be an even more powerful eruption than the day before.

The only airport in Denpasar is a real collapse. Along with local residents hostages of the volcano - about 60 thousand tourists who cannot fly out of the resort island. Half a thousand flights have been canceled and until Agung calms down, no airline will dare to take the plane into the air. There are now about 6,000 Russian citizens in Bali. But our people are not so easily frightened by the local vagaries of the elements.

“We live 60 kilometers from the volcano. Yesterday they reported that some flights were canceled, today the airport was closed. Tonight we went to the foot of the volcano for 25 kilometers. Very beautiful, an eruption of smoke, ash. We talked with the locals, they say that this is not dangerous. Life goes on, schoolchildren go to school. We think that it will raise, raise and calm down," Sofya Selina believes.

“Ashes began to settle, we are 30 kilometers away. Our house is in ashes, we understand that we need to leave the volcano as far away as possible. We have a small child, he is 5 months old. , there may be an explosion," says Alexey Vimana.

Now the only way to leave Bali is by ferry. The Russian Embassy in Indonesia places all the necessary information in in social networks. Passengers are transported by ferry to neighboring islands. The airports are still open.

The most powerful eruption in the history of mankind is the eruption of the Indonesian stratovolcano Tambora. It is located next to the island of Bali. In 1815, more than 70 thousand people died from it, and because of the ash cloud that rose into the sky, then the so-called "volcanic winter" set in, which provoked crop failure and famine throughout the northern hemisphere.

Agung refers to volcanoes of the same type. His track record is not so impressive yet, but during the eruption in 1963-64, few seemed to anyone. Then about one and a half thousand people died, and even the inhabitants of Northern Europe observed volcanic twilight.