Volcanic ash forces Indonesian airport closure, seven killed in Filipi

Indonesian authorities ordered a temporary closure of Ngurah Rai International Airport (Photo: Reuters)

Indonesian authorities ordered a temporary closure of Ngurah Rai International Airport on the Bali resort island on August 6 as ash drifting from Mount Raung on the country’s main Java Island has forced flight cancellations across the board and stranded tourists. 

Spokesman of the Ministry of Transportation J.A. Barata said Ngurah Rai Airport will be closed for several hours between 11:00 am and 17:00 pm (local time). 

The closure is the fourth in recent weeks due to the volcanic ash. Many airlines cancelled all flights in and out Bali a day before, leaving thousands of travellers stranded at the well-known holiday destination during the peak season. 

The Ministry of Transportation closed five airports last month due to the same reason. 

The same day, at least seven people – including children – were killed and two others remain missing after flash floods triggered by heavy rain raged on August 4 in Bukidnon province, the southern Philippines, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and management Council confirmed. 

A total 426 families, or 1,085 people, were affected by the downpour. Some 372 of the affected households were evacuated to safer places. 

At least 41 houses in Valencia City were also damaged by the floods.-VNA