Bali volcano spews thick smoke, ashes

Jakarta Dec 24 (IANS) Mount Agung in Indonesia s Bali island spewed thick smoke and ashes high into the air on Sunday authorities said.

The eruption took place at 10.05 a.m. emitting thick grey smoke the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said.

"The eruption lasted for 10 minutes. White smoke was seen came out from the volcano summit after the blast " Xinhua news agency quoted BNPB spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho as saying.

He added that activities in the volcano remained intense at present.

Indonesian authorities issued the highest alert on November 27.

An eruption on Saturday prompted rain of ashes in the villages located in the slope of near the volcano.

Volcanic activities of Mount Agung have been ensuing since September after 54 years of inactivity.

--IANS
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