Eruption of the Anak Krakatau volcano in Indonesia: Ash column up to 15 km and paralysis of airports

A column of dust up to 15 kilometers high

The Anak Krakatau ("Child of Krakatau") volcano lies in the strait between Java and Sumatra. It is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. The volcano has been under an increased threat level since July. The eruption occurred on Friday.

The ash column reached a height of up to 6 km on the Java side and up to 15 km on the Sumatra side, according to data from the Indonesian meteorological agency BMKG. The geological agency recorded continuous seismic activity caused by the shifting of magma. She also warned of the possibility of further explosions.

Schools closed, airports paralyzed

The ash cloud following the eruption paralyzed five airports in the country, including the main one in Jakarta. As reported by the Indonesian Ministry of Transport and airport authorities, over 200 flights have been canceled, including several dozen international ones. Thousands of travelers waiting at airports were provided with meals, drinks and bus transportation to hotels.

In response to the ashfall, the authorities also decided to cancel classes in some schools. Local fishermen have refrained from going out to sea, while ferry traffic in the Sunda Strait continues normally, while maintaining a 3-kilometer safety zone around the volcano.

The authorities want to take additional measures to combat dust

In order to clear the atmosphere of dust faster, the state disaster mitigation agency (BNPB) announced a cloud seeding operation.

If the rainfall is heavy enough, the volcanic ash that disturbs our daily lives will be quickly washed away, said the head of BNPB Suharyanto, while appealing to residents to wear protective masks and limit the time spent outdoors.