Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau eruption disrupts flights, schools and fishing

An eruption of Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau volcano on Sunday disrupted air travel, school activities and fishing, with six airports suspending operations due to volcanic ash.According to media reports,Soekarno-Hatta International Airport near Jakarta suspended flights until 1:30 p.m. local time after volcanic ash reached the airport. The disruption affected 301 flights, including 58 international services. Singapore Airlines also cancelled all flights to and from Jakarta for the remainder of the day.Anak Krakatau, located between Java and Sumatra, has been erupting since late Friday. Indonesia’s meteorological agency said volcanic ash reached altitudes of up to 20,000 feet on the Java side and 50,000 feet on the Sumatra side.
Several passengers were stranded at Soekarno-Hatta as flights were cancelled or delayed. Airport authorities said food, refreshments and transport to hotels were being arranged for affected passengers in coordination with airlines.The disaster mitigation agency BNPB said it planned a weather modification operation, potentially involving cloud seeding, to encourage rainfall and help clear volcanic ash from affected areas.
Authorities also urged residents to wear masks and eye protection during ashfall, limit outdoor activities and exercise caution while driving. Several schools cancelled activities after students and residents reported eye irritation, while some fishermen suspended trips.Ferry services through the Sunda Strait remained operational, although vessels were advised to stay at least 3 km from Anak Krakatau’s crater and remain alert to volcanic hazards.
Meanwhile, Mount Semeru in East Java also erupted on Sunday, sending an ash column around 1 km above its summit. Authorities warned of potential hot ash clouds and lava flows and advised residents to stay at least 5 km from the crater.Anak Krakatau has remained at alert level 3, the second-highest level, since July 2. Indonesia has five volcanoes at the same alert level, including Semeru, Merapi, Lewotobi Laki-laki and Sinabung.Authorities said there was currently no imminent tsunami threat from Anak Krakatau. The volcano’s 2018 eruption triggered a tsunami that killed more than 400 people on Java and Sumatra.