Anak Krakatau volcano erupts nine times on Saturday

The Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) recorded nine eruptions from the crater of Mount Anak Krakatau in South Lampung Regency, Lampung Province, on Saturday.

The eruption heights varied from 200 to 400 metres, recorded between 12.00 WIB and 18.00 WIB.

Suwarno, head of the Anak Krakatau monitoring post in Hargopancuran, Rajabasa District, said on Saturday that Mount Anak Krakatau remains volatile, meaning further eruptions could still occur.

“Mount Anak Krakatau was observed erupting nine times with heights of 200-400 metres. The smoke was grey and black with thick intensity,” he said.

He explained that the increase in volcanic activity is being monitored intensively through both visual and instrumental observations to track the volcano’s development on an ongoing basis.

According to him, the increase in volcanic activity in early July formed the basis for the Geological Agency to raise the status of Mount Anak Krakatau from Level II (Waspada) to Level III (Siaga). Nevertheless, the volcano’s activity remains within a category that can be monitored through the implementation of mitigation measures in line with PVMBG recommendations.

Members of the public, tourists and fishermen are urged not to carry out activities within the radius recommended by the volcanology authorities in order to avoid risks posed by eruptions or the ejection of volcanic material.

“Fishermen and tourists are asked not to approach within a two-kilometre radius of the Anak Krakatau crater,” he said.

In addition, fishermen operating in the waters around the Sunda Strait are also asked to continue monitoring official information regarding Anak Krakatau’s activity and weather conditions before going to sea.