The eruption of Mount Agung, a volcano sited in the Indonesian resort of Bali, has caused widespread disruption to flight schedules and prompted a safety alert for residents.
The 10,000-ft high Mount Agung, located in eastern Bali, erupted three times Saturday, spewing ash plumes up to heights of 7,600 meters (about 2.5 miles). The plumes of thick ash created a flight hazard, prompting the cancellation of hundreds of flight in and out of Bali. Up to 5,000 passengers have been stranded as a result.
The volcano may soon enter the magmatic eruption phase, which may create lava streams in the vicinity of the site.
Residents have been ordered to evacuate any inhabited areas nearby in preparation of an imminent eruption.