The 1963-1964 eruption of Mount Agung on Bali, Indonesia, was one of the largest and most devastating eruptions in the country's history. Explosions and ash clouds began on February 18, 1963, lava flows started February 24, and the major eruption on March 17 reached a Volcanic Explosivity Index of 5, throwing debris 8 to 10 kilometers into the air; a second major eruption followed on May 16. Pyroclastic flows from the March 17 eruption killed an estimated 1,100 to 1,500 people, cold lahars caused about 200 more deaths, and the May eruption killed roughly 200 further inhabitants. Lava flows narrowly missed the Mother Temple of Besakih, an event the Balinese interpreted as divine intervention.
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