A volcanic eruption at Anak Krakatau has disrupted air travel in Indonesia, causing the suspension of 209 flights at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Sunday morning. The shutdown, extended until 13:30 local time, has left more than 22,000 travelers stranded.
Authorities detected ash plumes in the airspace surrounding the capital following the start of eruptive activity late Friday. Since then, the volcano has produced continuous seismic activity, lava fountains, and loud booming sounds. Two additional eruptions occurred early Sunday, prompting officials to halt operations on routes connecting to Singapore, Doha, Sydney, and Kuala Lumpur.
While the location of the volcano in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra initially raised concerns, authorities confirmed there is no tsunami warning associated with the current activity. Health officials, however, have advised residents to remain indoors and wear face masks to minimize risks to their respiratory systems, eyes, and skin.
The dense ash fall has already affected daily life in nearby communities. Reports indicate that several schools canceled activities on Saturday after students and locals reported eye irritation. Fisherfolk also called off sea trips due to similar discomfort.
Local resident Aldi Candra Prayogi described the ash as feeling like “small grains of sand” in his eyes, necessitating frequent use of eye drops. He noted that the dust accumulation was so heavy he had to sweep his front yard every five minutes.
Anak Krakatau, or the “Child of Krakatoa,” has been intermittently active since emerging in the caldera left by the catastrophic 1883 Mount Krakatoa eruption. The volcano underwent a major collapse in December 2018, generating a tsunami that killed over 400 people and injured thousands across Sumatra and Java.
Indonesia remains situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone characterized by high seismic and volcanic activity.
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