Multiple volcanic eruptions in Indonesia have extended the closure of eight airports, leaving about 170,000 passengers stranded

China News Service, Jakarta, September 6 (Reporter Li Zhiquan) Affected by the continuous eruption of the Krakatoa volcano in Indonesia, eight airports, including the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in the capital Jakarta, have been closed until 24:00 local time on the 6th.

The Son of Krakatau volcano is located in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra. Indonesian Transport Minister Dudi Purwagandi said on the 6th that due to the change in wind direction, the direction of the spread of volcanic ash has changed, and the government decided to close the above eight airports until 24 hours.

According to reports, a total of 1,558 flights were delayed at the eight affected airports, and about 170,000 passengers were stranded. Among them, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport has been closed since early that morning, with a total of 963 flights affected, including 453 arriving flights and 510 departing flights.

Indonesian media quoted aviation experts as saying that volcanic ash particles are highly abrasive and may cause blade wear after entering aircraft engines. In severe cases, the engines may lose thrust or even stall. They may also affect flight instruments and cockpit visibility.

The Indonesian Ministry of Transport requires airlines to provide corresponding services and disposal measures to affected passengers, including providing alternative airport solutions.

Recently, many volcanoes in Indonesia have become active. On the 6th, the Son of Krakatoa volcano, the Semeru volcano in East Java, the Ililevotoloko volcano in East Nusa Tenggara, and the Ibu volcano in North Maluku all erupted.

Regarding the eruption of multiple volcanoes on the same day, Dariono, a seismic expert from the Indonesian Disaster Experts Association, said that this is a manifestation of the dynamics of global tectonic activity in the Pacific Ring of Volcanoes and Seismic Zones, and does not mean that the eruption of one volcano triggered the eruption of another volcano.

Affected by the volcanic eruption, some schools in Jakarta, Banten Province, Lampung Province and other places have switched to online teaching. The local government also reduced the impact of volcanic ash on people's lives by spraying water mist and distributing masks. (over)