Belitung safe from Anak Krakatau volcanic ash dispersal

Tanjungpandan (ANTARA) - The Class II H.AS. Hananjoeddin Meteorological Station has ensured that the Belitung Regency area, in Bangka Belitung Islands Province, is safe from the dispersal of volcanic ash and significant weather impacts resulting from the eruptive activity of Mount Anak Krakatau.

Salsa, a forecaster at the Class II H.AS. Hananjoeddin Meteorological Station in Tanjungpandan, stated on Sunday that current wind direction is the primary factor keeping the Belitung region free from volcanic dust exposure.

“The current wind movement is blowing from the East-South towards the West-Southwest. This causes the potential for the Belitung region to be exposed to volcanic ash dispersal to be very small, and so far, there has been no impact,” she said.

Based on data from the BMKG Regional Office II, the volcanic ash dispersal from the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption consists of two layers. The first layer, from the surface to above 2,000 ft, is moving towards the Northeast-South, covering parts of DKI Jakarta, West Java, and the surrounding waters.

Meanwhile, the second layer, from the surface to 5,000 ft, is moving towards the Southwest-Northwest, covering parts of Banten, Lampung, Bengkulu, South Sumatra, the southern part of Sunda, and the Indian Ocean in the western region of Bengkulu-Lampung-Banten.

She explained that the eruptive activity of Anak Krakatau also does not have a direct influence or significant climate impact on the weather conditions in Belitung. Local weather parameters are monitored to remain within normal ranges.

Nevertheless, she noted that the impact of the eruption does affect the aviation sector in the region. This follows the policy of the temporary closure of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport for flight safety, which has led to adjustments in flight schedules to and from H.AS. Hananjoeddin Airport.

Therefore, the BMKG urges the people of Belitung to remain calm, avoid panic, and not be easily influenced by unverified information.

“The public is advised to remain calm as Belitung is safe from the dispersal of Anak Krakatau’s eruption ash. However, as a standard daily health precaution, residents are still advised to wear masks when engaging in outdoor activities,” she added.