LKBN ANTARA distributes masks to residents affected by Krakatau ash

The Banten bureau of Indonesia’s national news agency LKBN ANTARA has distributed 1,200 masks free of charge to communities in coastal areas directly affected by volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau in Serang Regency, Banten Province.

Head of LKBN ANTARA’s Banten bureau, Bayu Kuncahyo, said in Serang on Sunday that the mask distribution initiative was a form of concern and emergency response to protect residents’ respiratory health amid the high intensity of volcanic ash.

“We at ANTARA are focused on providing masks to residents affected by the volcanic ash from the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption, especially in the coastal area of Anyer. We will also continue to monitor developments in order to distribute aid, particularly masks, to other affected areas in Banten,” said Bayu.

The impact of the thick volcanic ash has been keenly felt by the public. To anticipate ash exposure, Andi noted that coastal residents had previously relied only on makeshift equipment, such as wearing hoods or hats and glasses to avoid eye irritation. The aid from ANTARA was considered highly targeted because many residents still lacked adequate mask supplies.

A similar situation was experienced by Supiah, another coastal resident who felt greatly helped by the free mask distribution. According to her, the intensity of the ash fall was so high that it kept dirtying the inside of her home.

“This morning the floor of the house was already full of black dust. It was cleaned, but the ash came again. That’s why these masks are really needed,” said Supiah.

She added that local residents tended to choose to stay at home because they were already quite accustomed to the eruption characteristics of Mount Anak Krakatau.