Distance from Agung volcano to Nusa Dua. Volcano Agung woke up or everything you really need to know about the eruption

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 main airport bali, 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 to the west coast of North 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 volcano: Batur and Agung.

Recall last eruption Mount Agung happened 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 common source magma, located at a depth of 10-30 kilometers.

Located in the eastern part of the island of Bali, the Agung volcano is very revered and significant place for Indonesians. The local population calls Mount Agung sacred and considers it one of the main attractions of Indonesia. Every year, thousands of tourists come to the foot of the volcano to admire natural beauty and get in touch with the mystery that shrouded this place. This was until September 2017, when seismologists recorded strong tremors at the foot of the mountain.

Agung volcano eruption

The people on duty at the observation post witnessed the release of a steam plume on September 29, 2017. At the same time, the presence of ash clouds was not observed. Exactly the same vapor plume was seen 3 weeks later. At the foot of the mountain at that time, 1052 tremors were recorded.

On November 21, 2017, the Indonesian agency, whose actions are aimed at implementing natural disaster management, set the fourth level of volcanic warning. This level indicated that a volcanic explosion could occur in the very near future. At the same time, at the end of November in 2017, none of the experts could confidently name the exact date of the volcanic eruption.

Seismologists recorded the eruption of Mount Agung on November 21. On this day, volcanic ash rose to a height of about 700 meters from the crater. On November 27, the eruption repeated. Above sacred mountain a smoke column rose to a height of 4000 meters from the crater. In this connection, the eruption was assigned the maximum level of danger.

Indonesians living within a 7.5 km radius of Mount Agung were urgently evacuated. People were given special breathing masks. Some villages located in the immediate vicinity of the volcano were covered with a layer of ash. Despite the situation, the authorities failed to force some local residents leave their homes immediately. People did not want to leave their pets unattended and evacuate to more safe places for life.

But after the highest smoke column was recorded over the volcano in Bali on November 27, seismologists came to the general conclusion that a larger volcanic eruption, which could occur in the very near future, is almost inevitable.

In November 2017, approximately 40,000 Indonesians fled their homes in close proximity to the volcano. They set up temporary camps after an exclusion zone was established around the sacred mountain Agung, the length of which, according to various sources, reaches 10-12 km.

Fiery flashes over Mount Agung on the island of Bali were observed at night. Indonesian Prevention Agency natural Disasters made statements that it was very dangerous to be in the exclusion zone. Villages located within a radius of up to 10 km were covered with a dense layer of thick ash, which made visibility very difficult. The evacuation of people continued constantly.

The sky above the volcano was covered with ash clouds. As you know, ash thrown into the air contributes to damage to aircraft engines. Due to the created conditions, dozens of flights were canceled daily.

The chronology of events taking place on the island of Bali is compiled from September 2017 to the present:

Late September 2017: a deep crack was formed in the crater of the volcano, about 80 m long. Experts calculated that there could be about 15 million m³ of magma inside the volcano, which moves towards the crater, but cannot find a way out.
Early October 2017: earthquakes regularly occur near the volcano for 2 weeks, which indicate that magma cannot escape, breaking through the interfering frozen lava.
November 27, 2017: seismologists set the 4 level of danger, magma eruption is expected from day to day. Ngurah Rai Airport is closed due to the current situation. The volcano smokes and releases huge columns of ash. Lava eruptions are observed at night.
November 30, 2017: A column of light gray ash appeared above the crater. In the afternoon, the amount of ash emissions decreased significantly. The airport has resumed its work.
Early December 2017: there are no visual signs of volcano activity, transparent water vapor periodically appears, spreading to a distance of up to 1.5 km.
Mid-December 2017: experts noted a sharp reduction in harmful emissions, the height of the ash column decreased to 500-1000 m. The seismologists reduced the danger level to the second.
Late December 2017 - mid-January 2018: most of the time of the day the volcano is in a calm state, but sometimes ash columns are released, 2-3 thousand meters high.
Mid-February 2018: As the situation continues to be calm, local authorities have allowed Indonesians to return to their homes.
March 2018: after a relative calm that lasted several months, the volcano began its activity again.

The last eruption of Agung occurred in 1963. The natural disaster claimed the lives of more than 2,000 people.

Actual news

On March 15, the following news arrived from Bali: this moment The Indonesian Disaster Prevention Agency again recorded a small eruption of Mount Agung. From the crater of the volcano appeared grayish smoke, maximum height the smoke column was approximately 700 m.

The authorities are urging local residents not to lose their calm and not to succumb to general panic. The exclusion zone at the moment reaches from 6-7.5 km.

According to the chief seismologist of Indonesia, there are many examples according to which the peak of volcanic activity stretched for 6 years. And a large-scale eruption that destroys everything in its path, in the end, may not be at all. After the expiration of the specified period, the activity of tremors gradually begins to subside.

Is it possible to fly to rest

In connection with breaking news The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a special warning to tourists currently in Bali. According to this warning, if ash clouds appear from the crater of the volcano, before going to the airport, the tourist must coordinate the departure from the country with his travel agent or with representatives of the airline.

Russian citizens are urged to temporarily refrain from traveling to Bali by the Russian embassy in Indonesia.

Volcano Batur

The highest point of another famous volcano in Bali, which is called Batur, is located at an altitude equal to 1717 m above sea level. Batur has three craters that periodically emit small emissions of grayish smoke and ash, and tremors are felt at the foot of the volcano. The top of the volcano is covered with dark spots. These are traces of hardened lava, which was left after the destructive volcanic eruptions, which date back to 1917, 1926-1929, 1947 and 2000.

In 2000, the smoke column rose 300 m above the crater. There was no serious damage, but the Indonesians were very alarmed by the activity of the volcano, because up to this point no eruptions had been observed for half a century. Seismic activity was recorded by experts in the fall of 2009. Within a few months, there was an increase in volcanic activity, but by the summer of 2010, seismologists made a statement that the eruption of Batur volcano is not expected in the near future.

Indonesians use numerous rituals to appease the spirits of Mount Batur. The territory on which it is located is very revered by the locals. No wonder a large number of temples were built along its perimeter. To avoid the activity of the volcano, the Indonesians held a special ceremony. People sewed a large sarong and wrapped Mount Batur around it. They prayed at the foot of the volcano and came to him with offerings.

Climbing volcanoes

Requires no specific preparation. However, climbing to a height is not recommended on your own. Before you start climbing, you need to find an experienced guide. You can climb the Batur volcano within two hours, making several halts along the way for a little rest and a snack.

Guides accompanying tourists to the volcano crater must have a walkie-talkie with them in order to give a signal for help if necessary. These people are well versed in the area and know how to reach the crater of the volcano by the shortest route.

The main impression for which people strive to get to the top of the volcano is the sunrise. The dawn met in the crater of the volcano will remain in your memory for a long time, and the magnificent pictures taken in this place will leave the best memories of your trip to Bali.

Volcano Agung is the mother mountain, the volcano of the gods, whose crater diameter is about 500 meters. The southern side of the mountain, above the Besaki Temple, is considered the highest point in Bali. Altitude 3142m. Agung is a place of spiritual purification and worship. The life of a Balinese is oriented towards Agung. The entrances to all the temples of the island are located in the direction “to the mountain”, the name of all the houses and settlements of Bali sound translated into Russian as “to the mountain” or “from the mountain”. Even the head of a sleeping Balinese must be directed towards the sacred volcano.

In the spring of 1963, a terrible eruption occurred, flooding many villages in eastern Bali with lava and killing about 2,000 inhabitants of the island. Everything was destroyed. Traces of lava are still clearly visible on the northern coast of Bali.

The Balinese believe that the fault was the wrong choice of the date for the grand ceremony of spiritual cleansing Eka Dasa Rudra (the most important ritual in Balinese Hinduism, performed once every hundred years), which brought discontent on them from the gods and resulted in terrible revenge.

Therefore, the Balinese respect the gods and treat them with all seriousness, which is what tourists are advised to do.

Everyone who wants to meet the dawn above the clouds and plunge into the divine atmosphere should ask the gods for permission (here it is not necessary to memorize the most complicated prayers, it is enough to ask for a passage with a soul). Climbing the volcano does not require special physical preparation (the whole journey will take no more than 4 hours), but it requires great respect.

There are two routes to climb the volcano: the first will lead to the top along the western slope from the side of the Besakih Temple, the second will only lead to the lower part of the crater, from which a panoramic view of the eastern side of Bali opens. During religious holidays, climbing Gunung Agung is prohibited, but you are always welcome to enjoy the incredible landscape pictures of the island.

Coordinates: -8.34101900,115.50376700

Volcano Batur

Mount Batur is located in Indonesia, in the northeastern part of the island of Bali. The main cone of the volcano is crowned with 3 craters, and the highest point reaches 1717 meters above sea level.

Scientists suggest that the formation of the volcano in the area began more than half a million years ago.

The frozen basalt rocks left over from lava flows testify to past volcanic activity. Some activity is still observed at the present time, which is manifested in episodic tremors and ash emissions. The last eruption of the Batur volcano, accompanied by human casualties, occurred in 1963. Lava flows wiped out a small village located nearby.

In 1999 - 2000, local residents and visitors to the island could observe volcanic ash emissions reaching a height of 300 meters. Despite its dangerous nature, Batur volcano is one of the main tourist attractions of the island. From the top of the volcano, you can admire the surrounding views and appreciate the power of the natural elements.

Coordinates: -8.24200000,115.37500000

Lotus Asian Garden restaurant overlooking Mount Batur

Outdoor terrace of the restaurant with a panoramic view of the Batur volcano. opens great view. The cuisine is exclusively Indonesian, buffet style. Rice with vegetables is amazing.

Volcano Kintamani

A trip to the Kintamani volcano is an integral part of the excursion program of every tourist vacationing in Bali. Most often, guides take guests to a special observation deck, where there are restaurants with a beautiful view of the volcano.

Kintamani volcano erupted three times: in 1927, 1929 and 1947. This volcano has a double crater. After two strong eruptions in 1917 and 1927, Lake Batur formed in one of the craters, which is the largest in Bali. The contours of the lake are shaped like a Korean bowl. This lake has one interesting feature: throughout the year, its depth remains constant - both during the dry season and during the rainy season. This circumstance was the reason that the locals began to believe that it was God himself who was taking care of this lake. The area is also famous for its hot springs.

The volcano is quite active - even today, smoke and ash are emitted from its crater from time to time. Previously, the village of Batur was located in the crater, which, after the eruption of 1926, was moved to the edge of the crater, and the miraculously surviving architectural monuments were restored. In the evening, a very picturesque view opens up from the top of the crater.

Coordinates: -8.25158500,115.33029600

Attractions Bali

All more volcanoes waking up all over the globe. each time more and more powerfully spewing clouds of smoke and ash ..

Volcano Agung scared the authorities of Bali

in Indonesian resort island Bali has been hit by a volcanic eruption that has canceled flights to and from Australia after a huge cloud of ash rose into the sky.

Volcano Agung throws out ash and smoke, which covered dozens of villages with an impenetrable fog. Lava flows spilled in a radius of 2-3 kilometers around the restless mountain. There were no reports of casualties, but the national disaster management agency has established a 2.5-mile exclusion zone around the mountain and said protective masks will be distributed to anyone dangerously close to the mountain as a precaution. For this, local officials purchased 50,000 masks.

Bali Airport spokesman Arie Ahsanurrohim spoke about the cancellation of flights between Bali and Australia, flights to New Zealand will take place on schedule.

Brent Thomas, Commercial Director, New Zealand travel company House of Travel, said that tourists should be as collected as possible and carefully observe natural circumstances. "It (the volcano) may go dormant again or may erupt again, when that happens, no one knows," said Brent Thomas.

It should be noted that the Agung volcano began to show the first signs of life at the end of 2017. Then the emissions from the bowels of the earth were so powerful that the authorities organized the immediate evacuation of people from dangerous places.

The largest happened in 1963, more than 1000 people became victims, several villages were destroyed. Agung is just one of more than 120 active volcanoes in Indonesia that is prone to eruptions and earthquakes due to its location on the Ring of Fire, a series of fault lines stretching from the western hemisphere to Japan and southeast Asia.

Volcanoes in Bali are an integral part of the Small sunda islands because they are of volcanic origin. On a small territory of the island, there are two active volcanoes at once: Batur and Agung. Rising above the island, from time immemorial they have caused awe, fear and admiration among the locals, who revere them as their shrines. Batur and Agung are completely different from each other: each of them has its own history, its own characteristics and legends. Therefore, when you arrive in Bali, it is worth going at least once and seeing both volcanoes and maybe even climbing one of them! So, what are they, volcanoes in Bali, what are remarkable and how you can climb them, this will be our article.

Volcanoes in Bali: location, description, photo

Batur

The famous Bali volcano Batur is located in the northeastern part of the island, and an observation deck overlooking it is included in almost all standard sightseeing tours By . The volcano is not very high: only 1717 meters, and even, at first glance, unremarkable ... But it's not. In fact, Batur is primarily a caldera (i.e. a basin) with a diameter of 13.8 x 10 km, formed about 30 thousand years ago as a result of the eruption of a huge volcano that existed on this site for hundreds of thousands of years. Then another eruption occurred and inside the first caldera a second one appeared, with a diameter of 6.4 x 9.4 km, in which the lake and volcano of the same name arose (the same one, 1717 m high, which we talked about at the beginning). And the last, on the opposite shore of the lake, another “descendant” of the ancient giant was formed - the Abang volcano with a height of 2152 m.

That is, it turns out that the Batur caldera is a huge territory, once occupied by one huge volcano, and now - by two small volcanoes and a lake, formed as a result of the eruption of the first one. This whole area is often called Kintamani - after the name of the area of the island in which it is located. The boundless expanses of Batur will open to you already on observation deck, located on the edge of the caldera: Abang volcano, Lake Batur (the largest in Bali) and Batur volcano itself, covered with black spots of hardened lava. This lava is the traces of its eruptions, of which the most destructive was in 1917, and the last in 2000.

By the way, the Batur volcano has three craters, which sometimes disturb local residents with tremors and ash emissions. To solve these problems, local residents resort to ceremonies to appease the spirits of the volcano, of which there are a huge number. This place is considered special, not for nothing that 27 temples were built along the perimeter of the caldera: the Balinese believe that Batur unites the spirits of all 4 natural elements: earth, water, air and fire.

Agung

Volcano Agung is located in the east of the island and is its highest point - 3014 m. Its history is not as eventful as that of Batur. In total, during the observation period, 4 eruptions were recorded, the last of which occurred in 1963-1964. It was also the most destructive: the eruption claimed the lives of about 2,000 people, and left tens of thousands of islanders homeless. Before him, the height of Agung was 3142 m, but as a result of large-scale destruction, a piece broke off from the top and the volcano became more than 100 m lower.

If we compare the volcanoes in Bali, then Agung is the largest of them, which on a clear day can be seen from almost everywhere. Its name translates as " great mountain': according to , this sacred place where gods and spirits of ancestors live. All villages, courtyards and temples of Bali are oriented towards sacred mountain. So, for example, if in the north of the island the temples are located in the southern part of the courtyard, then in the south - in the north. It is on the slope of Agung, at an altitude of 1000 m above sea level, that the main and largest temple complex islands - Pura Besakih, consisting of 30 temples located on several levels. Balinese from all over the island make a pilgrimage here: to the temple, which is closest to the gods.

The worldview of the Balinese is characterized by the absolute completeness of the picture of the world, because the island is his whole world, and if demons live in the ocean, people live on the earth, then the habitat of the gods is a formidable mountain that makes itself felt when the gods are angry. This is how the volcanic eruption in 1963 was perceived, which coincided with the sacred rite of spiritual purification - a great holiday held in Pura Besakih once every hundred years. The Balinese believe that this happened because the gods were outraged that the wrong day was chosen for the ceremony. True, in some miraculous way, the destruction of the temple itself was not affected ... Since then, the volcano no longer worried the locals, however, the Balinese know that the gods are not asleep, and sacred mountain do not slumber with them.

Climbing Volcanoes in Bali

If you don't already know, you can climb the volcanoes in Bali and see the sunrise above the clouds, this event is very popular among tourists. After all, a fabulous view of the awakening island opens from the top, and besides, who doesn’t want to conquer the volcano and look into its crater? The ascent usually takes place at night. First, because it's easier: no need to go under scorching sun; and secondly, dawn is an incredibly beautiful time of day, especially if you watch it from such a height.

As a rule, the ascent to Batur starts at 4 am and lasts about 2 hours. Climbing Agung is a real test, which will take from 4 to 9 hours. Several routes lead to the top of the main volcano of the island: shorter and longer. The first one starts from the village of Selat in the south and takes about 4 hours. It will take you to the crater, but it will not be possible to reach the very high point volcano. A longer route lies from Besakih Temple and will take at least 7 hours. This is the path along which pilgrims climb Agung, and it is he who leads to the very top. If you choose it, then you need to start climbing no later than 10 pm, or even earlier in order to spend the night halfway and continue climbing with renewed vigor. Having climbed Batur or Agung, do not think that you have overcome the longest and most difficult part of the route ... The descent will be no less exciting and, most likely, will take even longer. However, don't let that scare you: what you see at the top will definitely be worth all the effort!

You can see the volcanoes in Bali both with an excursion group and on your own. If you choose the second way, do not refuse the services of local guides who will attack you already in the parking lot. It is better to pay them and be sure that you will not get lost at night and will not be late for dawn. Also, find out in advance if groups are running now. During the rainy season, for example, climbs are highly undesirable. And, of course, stock up on warm clothes (it will be very cold to climb), comfortable shoes, flashlights, food, water and go on an adventure!

Perhaps volcanoes in Bali are an inexhaustible topic. Ask your Balinese guide and he will tell you many of the legends and beliefs associated with them. Yes, you yourself will understand why they have such a strong influence on the worldview of local residents, finding themselves next to them and feeling their power. And if you have the desire and time, be sure to climb Batur or Agung: you will see the island from a bird's eye view, and also get unforgettable experience for life!

And finally, a short video about climbing Mount Agung: