The Volcanic Status of Mount Anak Krakatau Rises to Alert Level

JAKARTA - The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) has raised the activity level of Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait between the west coast of Lampung and Banten, from Level II (Warning) to Level III (Alert).

Acting Head of the Geological Agency Lana Saria said the increase in status was based on visual and instrumental monitoring results which showed a significant increase in volcanic activity in recent times.

Observation data showed an increase in the number of volcanic earthquakes, changes in the deformation of the mountain body, and surface activity indicating the supply of magma to the shallow part.

"This increased activity indicates the presence of magma supply to the surface, so that the public and tourists are asked not to approach the active crater within the recommended radius," said Lana Saria as reported by ANTARA, Friday, July 3.

In addition, the results of tiltmeter monitoring at a number of observation stations, he said, also showed inflationary tendencies that indicated the accumulation of pressure inside the volcano.

The Geological Agency recommends that the public, fishermen, and tourists do not approach Mount Anak Krakatau within a radius of five kilometers from the active crater to avoid the potential danger of eruption and incandescent material ejection.

People around the Sunda Strait coast are also asked to remain calm, but increase vigilance and follow the directions of local governments and volcano monitoring officers.

Local governments and related agencies have been asked to prepare mitigation measures and strengthen coordination if there is further increased activity.

The Geological Agency confirmed that monitoring of Mount Anak Krakatau was carried out intensively for 24 hours by utilizing a seismic, deformation, and visual observation network to ensure that the development of volcanic activity could be detected early.