Mount Anak Krakatau Erupts, Ash Column Reaches 100 Metres; Coastal Tourism Declared Safe

Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait experienced three eruptions this morning, with the latest producing an ash column reaching 100 metres in height. According to data from the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), the eruptions occurred at 08:42, 09:35, and 09:54 Western Indonesia Time, with the observed ash column reaching approximately 100 metres above the peak, or around 257 metres above sea level. “The observed ash column was black with thick intensity, leaning towards the northwest,” PVMBG stated on Wednesday. Mount Anak Krakatau remains at Level III (Alert) status. PVMBG recommends that the public not approach the peak within a 3-kilometre radius. “The public, visitors, tourists, and hikers should not approach Mount Anak Krakatau or conduct activities within a 3-kilometre radius of the active crater,” the agency stated. Meanwhile, the Banten Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) confirmed that tourist areas and beaches in Anyer and Carita remain safe to visit. “It is still safe, still safe. Please, the children are still on holiday until the 15th. Go ahead to Anyer, have a holiday there,” said Head of Banten BPBD, Lutfi Mujahidin. Lutfi urged the public not to be afraid of the current conditions of Mount Anak Krakatau, noting that the eruptions are confined to the mountain area, while the distance between the coast and the volcano is approximately 40 kilometres. “Do not be afraid. Just be vigilant, as it is still under control. I reiterate, the eruptions are still small, and for tourism activities, please continue to visit Anyer Beach, Carita Beach, or Tanjung Lesung,” he said.