Mount Anak Krakatau Experiences Rapid Growth; Collapse Poses No Tsunami Threat

Mount Anak Krakatau is currently undergoing dynamic growth as a young volcano. Its present condition is not worrying and does not pose a collapse threat.

“Its body is still only about 150 metres high. With gentle slopes, if a collapse were to occur, God willing, it would not cause a tsunami,” said SS Rita Susilawati, head of the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, in Bandung on Tuesday (15/9).

She added that Mount Anak Krakatau is experiencing constructive growth that appears rapid. This is driven by a combination of factors, ranging from regional tectonics due to its position at the meeting point of plates, the already-formed architecture of its magma system, the runnier characteristics of its magma, and a very high eruption frequency.

At Mount Anak Krakatau, she continued, there is inter-plate subduction, which causes a change in direction from Sumatra towards the Sunda Strait.

“This opens up a magma pathway, so the magma can rise to the surface without significant obstruction. This causes the magma temperature to be very high and fluid, so it melts and quickly builds the volcano’s body,” Rita explained.

According to her, the system is already open. This is what causes Mount Anak Krakatau to experience such rapid growth.

Rita confirmed that Mount Anak Krakatau has returned to its normal eruption type, namely the Strombolian type, with eruptions occurring intermittently. In fact, there have been no eruptions in the last two days. The eruption episode has ended.

“Going forward, we will continue to monitor its development. The potential for eruptions still exists, but there is no need for excessive concern, as this is indeed part of the growth dynamics of Mount Anak Krakatau. This is a young volcano that is building its body,” she concluded.