BMKG Predicts Mount Anak Krakatau Volcanic Ash Moving Away from Indonesian Territory

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has forecast that volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau (GAK) is moving away from Indonesian territory as of Tuesday (8/9) at 04.00 WIB.

“There is still volcanic ash dispersal that is reducing air quality and visibility, and at certain altitudes it can disrupt flight operations. The dispersal of volcanic ash from GAK is predicted to move away from Indonesian territory,” BMKG wrote via its social media account.

Based on information from PVMBG and the Darwin VAAC, as well as analysis of Himawari-9 RGB imagery on 8 September at 04.00 WIB, volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau was identified from the surface up to an altitude of 6,000 ft (1.8 km), observed moving towards the south-southwest, covering the Indian Ocean northwest of Banten.

Under current conditions, BMKG said the volcanic ash had been observed moving away from the summit of Mount Anak Krakatau.

BMKG stated that volcanic ash dispersal is still reducing air quality and visibility, and at certain altitudes could disrupt flight operations.

“Communities in affected areas should ensure they obtain official information from BMKG, PVMBG and relevant agencies, and pay attention to air conditions and visibility,” BMKG wrote.

In line with the forecast that the volcanic ash dispersal is moving away from Indonesian territory, the government has decided to resume operations at a number of airports. A total of five airports have been declared reopened.

List of five airports officially reopened:

Soekarno-Hatta Airport (CGK), Tuesday (8/9) at 00.01 WIB

Halim Perdanakusuma Airport (HLP), Tuesday (8/9) at 00.01 WIB

Husein Sastranegara Airport (BDO), Tuesday (8/9) at 00.01 WIB

Budiarto Curug Airport, Banten, Tuesday (8/9) at 02.25 WIB

Pondok Cabe Airport, Banten, Tuesday (8/9) at 02.25 WIB