Bandarlampung Disaster Management Agency Urges Residents to Remain Alert to Potential Volcanic Ash
Bandarlampung - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Bandarlampung City, Lampung Province, has urged the public to increase vigilance against the potential exposure to volcanic ash following the eruptive activity of Mount Anak Krakatau (GAK).
“Volcanic ash can be carried by the wind and disturb air quality, visibility, and health, especially for those with respiratory issues,” said the Head of Bandarlumgang City BPBD, Idham Basyar, in Bandarlampung on Saturday.
He requested that the public use masks when engaging in outdoor activities and wear eye protection if air conditions become dusty. He also asked residents to reduce outdoor activities during ashfall and to close doors, windows, and home ventilation to prevent volcanic ash from entering indoor spaces.
Furthermore, the BPBD reminded residents to protect food and water sources from exposure to volcanic ash.
“For motorists, the BPBD advises increasing caution as volcanic ash can reduce visibility and make road surfaces slippery,” he added.
Residents can contact emergency services via the 117 call centre, telephone 0721-6016451, or telephone/WhatsApp 0821-8099-2105.
A number of Bandarlampung residents have already felt the impact of dust suspected to originate from the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption.
“The house started getting dusty after Maghrib,” said a local resident, Naya. She admitted she only realised it when black dust covered her floor, despite having recently swept it. “The floor became dusty even though it had just been swept, so I looked for information and many said it was GAK dust.”
Another resident, Nurhadi, reported that his eyes felt irritated by debris while riding his motorcycle along the road. “My eyes felt like there was something in them along the road,” he said. He added that his clothes also became dirty from the dust. “This is not like ordinary dust; it is fine, and even upon arriving home, there was a lot of dust on the floor.”