Indonesians flee as volcano erupts, stranding thousands

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."

Hindus leave Besakih Temple in Karangasem, Bali.

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

Evacuees stay at an emergency shelter in Klungkung, Bali.

The volcano spews ash on Nov. 26.

A rescue team evacuates villagers.

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. 

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.

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

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

Mount Agung spews ash on Nov. 26. 

Children wear masks to protect from the ash. 

Tourists take pictures in Datah, Karangasem on Bali. 

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

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