Indonesia: Volcanic activity ongoing at Mount Anak Krakatoa in Sunda Strait as of Oct. 26; exclusion zone in place

Event

Authorities are maintaining a Level 3 alert (second-highest level on a four-tier scale) for Mount Anak Krakatau as of Oct. 26. The volcano, located in the Sunda Strait, Lampung Province, is approximately 75 km (46 miles) south-southeast of Bardar Lampung and has been active intermittently. Since Oct. 24, authorities have recorded several eruptions, ejecting volcanic material to a height of 200 meters (656 feet) above the surface of the crater. Authorities have prohibited access within a 5 km (3 mile) radius of the crater. Officials have also advised residents in coastal areas of Banten and Lampung provinces to stay calm and follow directions issued by local agencies.

Further eruptions could cause seismic activity, ash clouds, landslides, and tsunamis in the surrounding area. Anak Krakatau could continue to emit gas and ash clouds in the coming days. Officials could order evacuations and impose ground travel restrictions along roads in nearby areas of coastal communities in Lampung and Baten provinces if significant eruptions occur and produce ashfall. Ash could reduce visibility and make streets slippery, possibly triggering localized ground traffic disruptions. Flight disruptions could occur at nearby airports if a major eruption occurs.

Fine particulate matter ejected from the volcano could pose a hazard to flights in the surrounding airspace, especially at Radin Inten II International Airport (TKG). Authorities may temporarily close airport facilities if significant ashfall accumulations occur. Further eruptions could also prompt maritime transport and shipping disruptions in the Sunda Strait.

Health
Further volcanic activity may impact air quality in nearby areas of southern Sumatra, Western Java, and minor islands in the Sunda Strait. Air quality could become a concern, particularly in areas near the crater following an explosive event. Individuals in the region - especially those with underlying pulmonary conditions such as asthma, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or lung cancers - may experience difficulty breathing and could suffer from lower tolerance to physical exertion.

Advice

Confirm regional flights. Heed official instructions and be prepared to evacuate coastal communities on short notice. Plan for possible transportation disruptions if operating in nearby communities over the coming days. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving; due to reduced visibility, drive cautiously in any areas affected by ash. Carry facemasks and observe other precautions to avoid ash inhalation if operating in the affected area.

Resources

MAGMA Indonesia
Center for Research and Development of Geological Disaster Technology (BPPTKG)
Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG)