Anak Krakatau Volcanic Ash Moves West, Bringing Ashfall to Bandar Lampung

Eruptive activity from Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait has been occurring from early Saturday (5/9) morning until midday WIB. Volcanic ash from this activity has the potential to be carried by the wind towards the west. As of the time of writing, several residents in the Lampung province, located west of Mount Anak Krakatau, have reported exposure to volcanic dust and ash.

One such area is the provincial capital, Bandar Lampung. Residents in Bandar Lampung began experiencing volcanic ashfall as a result of the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption on Saturday night. Dinda, a resident of Sukarame, Bandar Lampung, stated that the dust became noticeable in the evening after Maghrib. When outdoors, the dust affected the eyes and soiled faces; dust was even visible on indoor floors, requiring sweeping.

Volcanic dust has also reached the Kemiling area in Bandar Lampung. The distance from Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait, South Lampung, to Bandar Lampung is approximately 80 km. Additionally, Donny, a resident of Natar District, South Lampung, reported being affected by the volcanic ash, noting that it reached his location near the Lampung Airport.

Meanwhile, Mutia, a traveller from Bogor currently on Sangiang Island—located east of Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait—also reported being affected by the ash. “I am on Sangiang Island and was hit by the dust. It started from the afternoon into the evening; the wind direction changed, according to a local fisherman,” Mutia told CNNIndonesia.com.

Quoting detikSumbagsel, the Head of the Anak Krakatau Volcano Monitoring Post in South Lampung, Suwarno, urged the public to use masks and eye protection if volcanic ash begins to fall in their residential areas. “If there is ash dispersal, the community should use masks and eye protection when engaging in outdoor activities. This is to prevent ash from entering the respiratory tract or affecting the eyes,” Sułwarno said on Saturday afternoon.

Suwarno explained that the dispersal of ash depends heavily on wind direction. Therefore, the public is requested to follow information updates from officials. “The ash follows the wind direction. Thus, the community needs to monitor wind developments and information from officers,” he added.

Based on monitoring results from 06:00 to 12:00 WIB, continuous eruptive activity from Mount Anak Krakatau was still recorded. The eruption column could not be observed as the volcanic area was obscured by fog. However, seismic activity was still recorded with a maximum amplitude of 70 millimetres and a duration of 21,600 seconds. Rumbling sounds and explosions could still be heard from the direction of the volcano with weak to moderate intensity.

Suwarno requested that the public not panic regarding the activity of Mount Anak Krakatau. However, vigilance is still required as volcanic activity is ongoing. The public is also advised not to approach the Mount Anak Krakatau area to witness the eruption.

“Do not approach. For the Mount Anak Krakatau area, there remains a recommendation to avoid all activities within a three-kilometre radius of the active crater,” he emphasised.

Suwarno suggested that residents reduce outdoor activities if volcanic ashfall occurs. If it is necessary to go outside, residents are asked to use protection to anticipate ash exposure. “If there is no urgent business, it is best to avoid outdoor activities when ash falls. If you must go out, use a mask and eye protection,” he said.

Mount Anak Krakatau is currently at Level III (Alert) status. The public, tourists, visitors, and hikers are prohibited from approaching the volcanic area within a 3-kilometre radius of the active crater.