Anak Krakatau Erupts 9 Times Today, Ash Towers Up To 1 Kilometer

The eruption of the Anak Krakatau volcano was monitored by the Sentinel-2 satellite, Friday (4/2).

JAKARTA - The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) noted that Mount Anak Krakatau erupted 9 times today.

The eruption occurred at 09:43, 10:25, 10:28, 12:46, 13:00, 13:31, 13:41, 14:46 and 17:07 WIB, with columns of ash rising to the range of 800-1,000 meters above the peak and the column color is thick gray-black.

Based on visual monitoring by PVMBG, there are indications that the eruption that occurred was of a magmatic type, in line with recorded volcanic earthquakes.

Visual and instrumental monitoring data indicate that the Anak Krakatau volcano still has the potential to erupt.

Plt. Head of the BNPB Disaster Information and Communication Center Abdul Muhari revealed that there is a potential danger from the current activity of Mount Anak Krakatau.

"Potential hazards can be in the form of incandescent lava, pyroclastic material or lava flows. In general, heavy ash rain has the potential to be around the crater within a radius of 2 kilometers from the active crater," said Abdul Muhari in his statement, Friday, February 4.

Meanwhile, thinner ash rain can cover a wider area depending on wind direction and speed.

Abdul Muhari continued, currently the activity level of the Anak Krakatau volcano is set at Level II (Alert), with a recommendation that people do not approach and move within a 2 km radius of the active crater.

The seismicity of the Anak Krakatau volcano itself has occurred since January 16 - February 4, 2022, marked by the recording of volcanic earthquakes and surface earthquakes indicating a gradual intrusion of magma from the bottom to the surface.

"The community is expected to comply with the recommendations issued by the Geological Agency through the PVMBG. Currently, videos of the 2018 Anak Krakatau volcanic eruption are circulating which seem to be the current condition of the volcano," he said.

"BNPB urges the public not to be provoked and pass on untrue and irresponsible news regarding the activities of the Anak Krakatau volcano, and to follow directions from the competent authorities," he continued.