BALI: Fearing threat to aviation safety, five Indonesian airports have been closed as Mount Raung volcano in East Java in Indonesia began erupting on Friday. Tourist movements have been hit hardest in Bali.
The Raung has been spewing ash into the air for nearly a week. Ash from the high mount can interfere with flights. The mount is 10,000 ft high. Sucked ash that melts can damage or shut off engines.
Bali's Denpasar airport was closed on Thursday night. Chaos prevailed at the
airport as the travellers, mostly tourists, have been stranded. Mount Raung is
about 100 km from Denpasar airport. East Java's Blimbingsari and
Notohadinegoro airports are also among those closed. Flights are being
postponed indefinitely or cancelled.
The islands have been centre of traffic attraction with thronging holidayers as
the schools are closed for vacation. The Muslim population is also on the move
in view of the Ramzan.
Lack of warning has aggravated the situation as ill-informed travellers flooded
the airports, especially the Bali international airport.
Bali airport handles about 48,000 passengers a day and Lombok 3,600. These islands depend on tourism for revenue and business. There are several active Indonesian volcanoes on Pacific Ring of Fire.
The most active volcanoes in Indonesia are Kelut and Merapi on Java island which have been responsible for thousands of deaths. Indonesia has 127 active volcanoes with 5 m people living in the dangerous vicinity.
