Anak Krakatau eruption disrupts flights, schools and fishing in Indonesia
Hundreds of flights were suspended at Jakarta’s main airport after ash from the Anak Krakatau volcano eruption spread, also halting school and fishing activities.
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AIThe eruption of Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau volcano on Sunday led to the suspension of hundreds of flights at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, after volcanic ash reached the airport’s airspace. Several schools halted activities and fishermen canceled trips over safety concerns.
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport announced on Sunday that flights would be suspended until 9:30 a.m. local time (02:30 GMT) due to ash from the ongoing Anak Krakatau eruption, according to Indonesia’s Antara news agency. This extended a previous suspension that had been scheduled until 5:30 a.m.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Transportation said in a statement that the suspension, which extended an earlier halt scheduled until 5:30 a.m., affected 209 flights, including several international routes.
The ministry added that Anak Krakatau began erupting late Friday, sending a column of ash 1,000 meters above its summit, with ash detected at the airport early Sunday morning.
National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) spokesperson Berton Bangaitan said the spread of volcanic ash disrupted activities in Lampung on Sumatra and Banten in Java.
The spokesperson urged residents to remain calm but vigilant. In case of ash fall, people are advised to wear masks and eye protection, limit outdoor activities, cover water sources, and drive cautiously, as ash can reduce visibility.
Several schools canceled activities on Saturday after students and local residents experienced eye irritation from the ash, while fishermen suspended sea trips, according to local media.
Anak Krakatau is located between the islands of Java and Sumatra in the Indonesian archipelago, which sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.