Indonesia Volcano Eruption: Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau volcano erupted multiple times on Sunday. Ash plumes from the eruption reached 50,000 feet. Because of the spreading ash, eight airports closed, and 1,558 flights were cancelled, affecting about 170,000 passengers. Mount Anak Krakatau, located between Java and Sumatra, erupted suddenly once again. Because of this hazardous situation, flight operations at four major Indonesian airports have been suspended. Amid this chaos, around 170,000 passengers are stranded at various airports.
Anak Krakatau is situated in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra. Volcanic activity has intensified there since Friday. According to the Indonesian Geological Agency, an eruption lasting about 30 seconds occurred at 3:53 AM on Sunday. Another minor eruption occurred about three hours later, and a further eruption was recorded at 8:23 PM on Sunday. So far, there have been no reports of deaths or injuries. Authorities have advised people to stay at least 3 kilometres away from the crater.
Ash reached 50,000 feet
According to Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the volcano emitted two massive ash plumes. The first reached about 20,000 feet and drifted toward Jakarta, Banten, and West Java. The second plume rose to approximately 50,000 feet and spread towards Banten, Lampung, and Bengkulu.
Airborne volcanic ash poses a danger to aircraft; it can enter and damage jet engines. It can also impair pilots’ visibility during flight.
Volcanic activity has increased since July
According to the Indonesian Geological Agency, activity at Anak Krakatau has risen since July. Sunday’s eruption was the most intense observed during this period. According to the agency, magma and gas supply beneath the volcano continues.
Impact on travellers and schools
Many passengers are stranded at the airport after flight cancellations; some are waiting to rebook. In the affected areas of Jakarta and Lampung, some schools have switched to online classes to protect children from the ash.
More than 1,500 flights have been cancelled or disrupted since the eruption. About 170,000 travellers who set out from home over the weekend remain stranded at various airports. Many have waited hours for flights to resume, but air traffic remains at a standstill because of the smoke and ash.