Thousands flee Bali volcano amid 'huge increase' in seismic activity
Thousands of villagers on the Indonesian resort island of Bali are sheltering amid fears Mount Agung will erupt for the first time in more than half a century.
Authorities raised the volcano's alert status to the highest level yesterday following a "tremendous increase" in seismic activity.
It last erupted in 1963, killing 1,100 people.
Made Suda said he left overnight with 25 family members to stay in the Klungkung sports centre. Others have taken refuge in village halls and with relatives.
He said: "I feel grief and fear, feel sad about leaving the village and leaving four cows."
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency said no-one should be within 9km (6 miles) of the crater and 12km (7.5 miles) to the north, north-east, south-east and south-southwest.
- AP
