Volcanic Ash Advisory issued following activity at Mt Agung

26/11/2017

The Bureau of Meteorology is providing the aviation industry with the latest data and forecasts for the volcanic ash plume from Mt Agung, following an eruption overnight.

The eruption occurred at Agung on the island of Bali, Indonesia on 25 November at 9.25pm AEST generating a volcanic ash plume to 25,000 feet extending southeast from the volcano.

The Bureau issued a Volcanic Ash Advisory (VAA) shortly after the initial eruption and a number of flights were diverted or cancelled last night. Denpasar airport, which is around 60km southwest of the volcano, has remained open.

At 12:00 noon AEST, observations of the plume showed it directed to the southeast of the volcano with significant ash up to 20,000 feet. The Bureau's Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) is continuing to work closely with the aviation industry to keep them appraised of the latest information.

The Bureau of Meteorology's advice for the aviation industry relies on ground based and satellite observations, pilot reports, and sophisticated forecasting models to monitor the current location and forecast movement of volcanic ash.

Airlines make their own decisions on when to fly based on their risk management approaches.

For more information: Plane talking: tracking and forecasting volcanic ash