Tourists to Bali are being warned that it is still possible Mount Agung will erupt, even though the exclusion zone around the crater has been reduced from six to four kilometers.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office this afternoon updated its advice to warn against all but essential travel to within the reduced exclusion zone.
It said: "The authorities have indicated Mt. Agung continues to show signs of volcanic activity and the possibility of an eruption remains."
Mount Agung in east Bali began erupting last November, causing periodic closures at Bali and nearby Lombok airports, but on February 10 the Indonesian authorities lowered its alert status from level four, the highest, to level three, standy. At the same time, the exclusion zone was reduced from six kilometres to four.
However, the FCO said the alert status may change at little or short notice. "The current period of increased volcanic activity may continue for some time and further disruption can’t be ruled out; volcanic activity can escalate very quickly with little or no notice," it said.
"In the event of a major eruption, areas beyond six kilometres may be affected, and the resulting ash plumes and release of particulate and gaseous pollutants into the air may have an impact on health.
"You should continue to monitor local media and keep up to date with this travel advice."
