DENPASAR • The alert level for a rumbling volcano on Indonesia's Bali island that forced more than 100,000 to flee has been lowered, the authorities said yesterday, but there is still a chance it could erupt.

Volcanic activity in Mount Agung is slowing and the volcano's status has been lowered from Level 4 "danger" to Level 3 "alert" by Indonesia's volcanology centre.

The agency said villagers whose homes are located further than 6km from the crater could return home but warned that the mountain had not come to a standstill. Previously, those living 9km to 12km from the crater had to evacuate.

"The volcanic activities have not completely calmed down and there is still a potential for an eruption," agency head Kasbani, who goes by one name, said in a statement.

Mount Agung has been rumbling since August, sparking fears that it could erupt for the first time since 1963.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE