More than 34,000 people have evacuated from the eastern part of Indonesia’s resort island of Bali after tremors caused by Agung volcano increased, indicating that the volcano may erupt for the first time in more than 50 years.

People in Bali evacuate due to Agung volcano (Photo: AFP/VNA)

The Indonesian natural disaster management agency said the number of displaced people is expected to rise, although the figure has increased three times since the evacuation warning was issued on September 22.

The international airport in Bali’s capital Denpasar is still operating as normal while preparing for temporary closure. Buses and trains are also ready to carry passengers to airports in other provinces in case of eruption.

The Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Agency of Indonesia on September 22 raised the alert status of Agung volcano to Level 4, the highest level. Local authorities affirmed that the island is safe, however, visitors are advised to keep away from places near the volcano.

The volcano has yet to erupt though tremors became more intense on September 24. The most recent eruption of Agung in 1963 claimed more than 1,000 lives.

(Source: VNA)