Mount Anak Krakatau erupts, public warned to keep distance

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait erupted on Friday afternoon, sending a thick column of ash 250 meters above its summit.

"The ash column was observed to be gray, brown, and black in color, with a thick intensity that tended to move north and northwest," Geological Agency Head Lana Saria said in a statement.

Saria reported that the eruption occurred at 4:17 p.m. Western Indonesian Time (WIB) and lasted approximately three minutes and 46 seconds, reaching an altitude of roughly 407 meters above sea level with a maximum seismic amplitude of 39 millimeters.

The volcano remains at Level II status. Authorities have strictly prohibited the public, tourists, and climbers from entering a two-kilometer radius around the active crater due to the risk of falling volcanic material.

The Geological Agency continues to monitor seismic and crater activity to safeguard coastal communities along the Sunda Strait.

The status of the Type-A active volcano had previously been raised to Level III in July 2026 following increased seismicity, during which it recorded 224 eruptions through early September, including a 25-hour continuous eruption sequence that sent lava flows to the northwest, west, and southwest.

Authorities lowered the threat level back to Level II on September 21 after data indicated declining volcanic activity and ground deflation.

Translator: M. Riezko Bima, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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