Tens of thousands were ordered to evacuate and the airport was closed for two days on the Indonesian island of Bali as Mount Agung erupted, sending thick ash nearly two miles into the air.

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An eruption so loud that it could be heard more than 7 miles away, the volcano brought ordinary life to a halt as it sent mudflows of debris and water known as a lahar down the mountain. In Bali, this is the rainy season, and officials warned rivers could become flooded and dangerous.

(MORE: The Latest News on the Mount Agung Eruption)

Although many obeyed the evacuation orders, thousands did not, choosing to stay in the danger zone because they felt they were safe, or because they didn't want to leave their livestock behind.

The last major eruption of the volcano occurred in 1963 and killed some 1,100 people.