The BNPB released a written statement on Monday evening which stated that the Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center (PVMBG) had called on the agency and the Bali Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) to take preemptive measures in case of an eruption.

The PVMBG further called on people living in the areas surrounding the mountain and visitors to avoid any activity, including hiking and camping, near the crater of Mt. Agung, and all areas within a 6 kilometer radius of its peak.  

“Those areas must be void of any activity,” said BNPB spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho.

He asked local people and tourists in the volcano’s surrounding areas to remain calm but also warned them to stay alert.

Coordinating with the National Police and the Indonesian Military, the BNPB has conducted a series of activities to prepare people in case of an emergency.

“We have asked all people to prepare their clothes, food and valuable items in case they have to be evacuated suddenly because of an eruption," Sutopo said.

Mt. Agung’s volcanic activity has been increasing since earlier this month, indicated by a string of volcanic tremors. The volcano last erupted in 1963, during which a pyroclastic flow released from its crater damaged several villages nearby. At that time, the eruption caused around 1,100 deaths. (ebf)

Stay alert: The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has released a map, which shows areas around Mount Agung, Bali, that have been closed to the public as a result of volcanic activity. (Courtesy of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency/File)