Anak Krakatau Eruption: Powerful Blast Disrupts 301 Flights across Indonesia

Shyok Times | News Desk

JAKARTA: The Anak Krakatau eruption has disrupted air travel across Indonesia, forcing temporary flight suspensions at several airports and affecting 301 flights, including 58 international services, authorities said Sunday.

Volcanic ash from the volcano, located in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra, spread across parts of western Indonesia after the eruption began late Friday. The ash reached altitudes of up to 20,000 feet toward the east and 50,000 feet toward the west, according to Indonesia’s meteorological agency BMKG.

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport near Jakarta temporarily suspended operations because of the ash. Several other airports also faced temporary closures, while airlines cancelled or delayed flights to destinations including Singapore and other international routes. Reuters reported that the disruption left hundreds of passengers stranded at Jakarta’s main airport.

 

 

 

 

 

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Ash Disrupts Daily Life

The effects of the Anak Krakatau eruption have extended beyond aviation. Some schools cancelled activities after residents and students reported eye irritation, while fishermen suspended trips because of ash and concerns over conditions at sea.

Authorities have advised residents in affected areas to reduce outdoor activities, wear masks and eye protection, cover water supplies and exercise caution while driving because volcanic ash can significantly reduce visibility.

Indonesia’s disaster-management agency has also considered weather-modification operations to encourage rainfall that could help clear volcanic ash.

No Tsunami Warning Issued

Despite concerns following Anak Krakatau’s history, authorities said there was no tsunami warning linked to the latest activity. BMKG’s tsunami monitoring system reported no sea-level anomaly indicating a tsunami in the Sunda Strait as of September 6.

The volcano remains under heightened monitoring. The 2018 Anak Krakatau eruption triggered a devastating tsunami that killed more than 400 people, highlighting the continuing hazards associated with the volcano.

For readers interested in disaster preparedness, see Shyok Times’ coverage of satellite connectivity and emergency response in Gilgit-Baltistan and our reporting on climate and environmental risks.

External Resources (DoFollow):

Follow more on BBC: Volcano eruption leaves 150,000 passengers stranded in Indonesia

Read further at Canberra Times: Ash grounds flights as Indonesian volcano erupts