Bali volcano eruption: Latest updates as Mount Agung ERUPTS and spews volcanic ash cloud

Here are the latest updates from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Magma Indonesia and other official sources. (All times GMT)

4.13pm: Burning red glow seen at top of volcano

BNBP spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho shared an image showing a burning red glow at the top of Mount Agung.

In a tweet, he asked whether red light seen at the summit could mean the eruption is entering the magmatic phase. He later deleted the tweet.

4pm: Several flights appear to be cancelled 

Several international flights, including from several cities in Australia and to the Netherlands and Malaysia, appeared to have been cancelled and re-routed on Saturday night as a result of the eruption.

These included flights operated by KLM, Qantas, AirAsia, and Virgin, according to the official website of Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport said.

J. A. Barata, a spokesman for Indonesia’s Transportation Ministry, said flights in and out of Bali remain “normal”.

“Tactical guidance for departure and arrival aircraft has been applied. This hasn’t endangered any flights,” he said.

3.49pm: ‘Incandescence’ seen at peak of volcano

BNBP spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho shared an update and an image showing a red light at the peak of the volcano.

According to a translation by volcanologist Dr Janine Krippner, he said: “Incandescence at the peak of #Agung on 25/11/2017 at 23:00 pm.

“Gray ash is still coming out of the crater. The PVMBG team continues to analyze and monitor intensive eruptions of Mount Agung.”

3.47pm: More than 25,000 evacuees at points of refuge

More than 25,000 evacuees remain at points of refuge across Bali as of Saturday afternoon, according to the BNPB.

The latest VONA alert said: “Eruption and ash emission is continuing.

“Best estimate of ash-cloud top is around 14,854 FT (4,642m) above sea level, may be higher than what can be observed clearly.

“Ash coud moving to west-southwest. Seismic activity is characterized by low frequency earthquakes.”

3pm: Volcano aviation alert remains orange

The volcano alert remains at level 3 and the Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA) is still orange.

“Ngurah Rai International Airport is safe. There is no influence on the flight line in Bali. Bali is safe.”

2.30pm Flight cancellations after eruption

BNPB spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said that the ash column stretched 1,500 metres into the sky, forcing the cancellation of some flights to and from Bali.

It is thought that Qantas and Jetstar have diverted or cancelled at least nine flights due to the risk from volcanic ash.

BNPB spokesman Sutopo Purwo Nugroho said that Mount Agung erupted again at 5.30pm local time on Saturday.In a message on Twitter, he called for people not to panic and said they should stay out of the up to to 7.5 kilometre volcano danger zone.