As thousands have been evacuated amid intensified seismic activity at Mount Agung, tourism on Indonesia’s popular resort island remains unaffected.

Fake news, however, has spread on social media with the aim of creating panic on the island, chairman of the Bali office of the Association of Indonesian Tour and Travel Agencies, I Ketut Ardana, said. The fake news had also prompted questions from travel agents and operators from across the globe in relation to conditions in Bali.

“We are trying very hard to explain the actual conditions. We are glad they understand,” he told The Jakarta Post on Saturday.

Ardana said fake news disseminated on social media said Mt. Agung had erupted and that the eruption had caused deaths.

“As of now, tourism has not been affected. There have been a few cancelations, but not many,” he said, adding that his agency would continue to disseminate correct information to all stakeholders.

Local authorities recorded that more than 40,000 people had fled their homes owing to increased seismic activity at Mt. Agung, which last erupted in 1963. (rin)