Indonesian volcano erupts, releasing ash, smoke

By Mahmut Atanur

JAKARTA (AA) - A volcano on the Indonesian island of Bali has erupted for the second time since last week, spewing out volcanic ashes and smoke, according to local authorities.

For the first time in over a half-century, Indonesia’s Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Center warned that Mt. Agung started releasing ashes and grey smoke rising about 700 meters from the crater starting late on Tuesday.

The volcano remains in the stage II alert status, said the center.

Some 1,150 people died in 1963, when the volcano, which dominates the island’s skyline and is popular with tourists, last erupted.

Almost 30 flights to Bali were cancelled, though authorities said the island is still safe for flights.