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Image: Mount Agung Eruption in Bali

World

Indonesians flee as volcano erupts, stranding thousands

An erupting volcano on the resort island of Bali is leading to mass evacuations. With Bali's airport closed, many have nowhere to go.

 / Updated 14 PHOTOS
Image: Mount Agung Eruption in Bali

The Mount Agung volcano spews ash in Karangasem, Bali, on Nov. 26.

Indonesia closed the airport on the tourist island of Bali on Monday and ordered 100,000 residents living near the grumbling volcano spewing columns of ash to evacuate immediately, warning that the first major eruption in 54 years could be "imminent."

— Reuters
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Image: Mount Agung Eruption in Bali

Hindus leave Besakih Temple in Karangasem, Bali.

The volcano's last major eruption in 1963 killed about 1,100 people.

— Johannes Christo / Reuters
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Image: Mount Agung Eruption in Bali

Evacuees stay at an emergency shelter in Klungkung, Bali.

— Made Nagi / EPA
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Image: Mount Agung Eruption in Bali

The volcano spews ash on Nov. 26.

— Roni Bintang / EPA
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Image: Mount Agung Eruption in Bali

A rescue team evacuates villagers.

— Johannes Christo / Reuters
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Image: Mount Agung Eruption in Bali

The volcano erupts on Nov. 27. 

Mount Agung has been hurling clouds of white and dark gray ash about 9,800 feet into the atmosphere since the weekend. 

— Firdia Lisnawati / AP
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Image: Mount Agung Eruption in Bali

Surfers at Syndey International Airport wait for updates on their cancelled flight to Sumatra via Bali on Nov. 27. 

Bali's airport serves as a transport hub for the chain of islands in Indonesia's eastern archipelago.

— Kate Shuttleworth / EPA
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Image: Mount Agung Eruption in Bali

Balinese ride in an open car past Mount Agung on Nov. 27. 

— Sonny Tumbelaka / AFP - Getty Images
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Image: Mount Agung Eruption in Bali

Passengers ask staff about their flights after Denpasar International Airport in Bali was closed.

— Antara Foto / Reuters
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Image: Mount Agung Eruption in Bali

Mount Agung spews ash on Nov. 26. 

— Made Nagi / EPA
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Image: Mount Agung Eruption in Bali

Children wear masks to protect from the ash. 

— Sonny Tumbelaka / AFP - Getty Images
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Image: Mount Agung Eruption in Bali

Tourists take pictures in Datah, Karangasem on Bali. 

— Made Nagi / EPA
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Image: Mount Agung Eruption in Bali

Hindus pray in Muntig village near Mount Agung in hopes of preventing further eruptions. 

— Sonny Tumbelaka / AFP - Getty Images
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Image: Mount Agung Erupting

Mount Agung erupts on Nov. 26. 

Indonesia sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" and has more than 120 active volcanoes.

Related: Eruption shuts Bali airport

— Antara Foto / Reuters
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