Anak Krakatau eruption disrupts flights, schools and fishing in Indonesia

JAKARTA: Indonesia’s Mount Anak Krakatau erupted again on Sunday, sending volcanic ash high into the atmosphere and disrupting air travel and daily activities across parts of the country.

The eruption forced six airports to suspend operations, affecting hundreds of flights. Jakarta’s main Soekarno-Hatta International Airport halted flights until 1:30pm local time because of volcanic ash in the area.

Airport operator Angkasa Pura said the disruption affected 301 flights, including 58 international services. Singapore Airlines also cancelled its flights to and from Jakarta for the remainder of the day.

Anak Krakatau, located between the islands of Java and Sumatra, has remained active since late Friday. Volcanic ash was detected around airports early Sunday, prompting authorities to take measures to protect passengers and aviation operations.

According to Indonesia’s meteorological agency, ash reached altitudes of around 20,000 feet (6,000 metres) over the Java side of the volcano. On the Sumatra side and parts of Banten province, the ash reportedly reached as high as 50,000 feet (15,000 metres).

The disruption left hundreds of passengers stranded at Soekarno-Hatta airport. Airlines informed passengers of cancellations and delays, while the airport operator arranged food, refreshments and transport to hotels in coordination with airlines.

Authorities are also considering weather modification measures to help clear the volcanic ash. Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency BNPB said it planned to conduct a weather modification operation, potentially involving cloud seeding, to encourage rainfall.

BNPB chief Suharyanto said heavy rain could help wash volcanic ash from affected areas and reduce its impact on daily life.

Authorities have urged residents to remain calm but stay alert. People in areas affected by ashfall have been advised to wear masks and eye protection, limit outdoor activities and cover water sources.

Motorists have also been warned to exercise caution because volcanic ash can significantly reduce visibility and create hazardous driving conditions.

The eruption has also affected schools and fishing communities. Several schools cancelled activities after students and residents experienced eye irritation caused by volcanic ash. Some fishermen also suspended their trips because of the volcanic activity.

Ferry services through the Sunda Strait were continuing normally. However, the transport ministry urged vessels to maintain a distance of at least 3 kilometres from Anak Krakatau’s crater and remain alert for ash and other volcanic material.

Another Indonesian volcano, Mount Semeru in East Java, also erupted on Sunday. Authorities said it produced an ash column rising about 1 kilometre above its summit.

Residents near Semeru were advised to stay at least 5 kilometres from the crater. Officials also warned of possible hot ash clouds and lava flows extending several kilometres from the summit.

Indonesia is located along the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, one of the world’s most active zones for earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Anak Krakatau has been at alert level 3, the country’s second-highest warning level, since July 2.

Semeru and three other volcanoes — Merapi, Lewotobi Laki-laki and Sinabung — are also at alert level 3.

Despite the latest eruption, Indonesia’s disaster authorities said there was no immediate tsunami threat from Anak Krakatau.

The volcano has a particularly dangerous history. Anak Krakatau emerged from the area of the former Krakatau volcano, which was devastated by a massive eruption in 1883. That disaster triggered devastating tsunamis and killed more than 36,000 people