The live stream above shows a view of the erupting Mount Agung from a CCTV webcam located at Bukit Asah in Karangasem on Bali. The volcano is currently shrouded in the darkness of night.
Mount Agung began erupting today around 5.05am local time when residents reported a large black plume rising from its crater.
Despite the terrifying threat of magmatic eruption, Bali’s official danger level is currently at Level 3 on a scale of 1 to 4.
Authorities have been monitoring the volatile Bali volcano for nearly two months, since it first started rumbling on September 22.
More than 140,000 people have been displaced from their homes since then, and some 39,000 refugees are still spread across refugee shelters.
National Disaster Management Agency (PBDB) spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho has told people to stay out of a six to 7.4km exclusion zone surrounding the summit.
So far there has been no increase in seismic activity, but the PBDB is closely monitoring the situation for any developments.
If tremors begin to escalate, it could be a sign of magma flowing upwards through the volcano.
Mr Sutopo said: “The status is still the same – level 3.
“Volcanic activities have not shown any increase in earthquakes.”
Right now the PBDB has only recorded a low-frequency tremor earthquake just before the eruption.
The eruption itself was described as a phreatic one, which is caused by a dangerous buildup of hot steam underground.
Phreatic explosions occur when underground water moves over molten lava or magma, causing a pressurised buildup of steam.
But experts insist the eruption is “small”.
Volcanologist Dr Janine Crippler tweeted: “Agung is not spewing, people are not panicked. At this time the eruption is small and everyone should be encouraged to stay calm, be alert, and watch official information sources.
“People in Bali, you have all known for a while this could happen. You’ve got this. Keep calm, be ready, and listen to official sources of information.”
The plume of smoke is currently travelling in an eastward direction. A Code Orange Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA) was issued, but no travel disruptions are expected at the moment.
Ngurah Rai International Airport spokesman Arie Ahsan said: “The wind is blowing to the east with tendency towards southeast.”
Virgin Australia also said: “We encourage guests booked via travel agents or third parties to ensure Virgin Australia has your mobile number, should we need to contact you in the event of any changes.
“Guests with travel insurance are also encouraged to check with their insurer about their individual circumstances.”