Indonesia's Krakatoa volcano erupts massively, sending volcanic ash 15,000 meters into the sky

Indonesia's Anak Krakatoa volcano erupted on a large scale early this morning (May 5). The volcanic ash even reached an altitude of 15,000 meters, which has affected the safety of surrounding flights. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that because the Krakatoa Sons volcano is located at sea, volcanic eruptions can easily trigger tsunamis. The 1883 eruption was the worst volcanic disaster in modern human history. The tsunami caused by the volcanic eruption at that time killed more than 36,000 people.

According to comprehensive foreign media reports, Krakatau's Sons volcano, located in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra in Indonesia, experienced a large-scale eruption early this morning. Information from Australia's Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Center (Darwin VAAC) pointed out that the volcano has been erupting since the 4th. At 11 o'clock in the evening, the height of the volcanic ash reached approximately 2,000 meters above sea level. By early this morning, the volcanic ash column jumped to an altitude of 15,000 meters, posing a threat to flight safety.

The Volcanic Ash Advisory Center found that volcanic ash with a height of about 15,000 meters mainly drifted westward at a speed of about 74 kilometers per hour, while another layer of volcanic ash with a height of about 5,500 meters spread toward the south at a speed of about 19 kilometers per hour. The Jakarta and Melbourne flight information regions also warned that airlines should be aware of the possible threat posed by volcanic ash.

The Japan Meteorological Agency also pointed out that because the Krakatau Son volcano is located at sea, volcanic eruptions and mountain collapses can easily trigger tsunamis, and many major disasters have occurred in the past. As of 5:30 a.m. Japan time, overseas tide gauge stations have not yet observed significant tide level changes related to this volcanic activity.

In fact, the Son of Krakatau volcano had a major eruption in 1883, which was the worst volcanic disaster in modern human history. The tsunami caused by the eruption killed more than 36,000 people. In December 2018, Krakatoa also caused a tsunami that hit the coasts of Java and Sumatra.