Jakarta, September 6 (Daily Kiran) : Indonesia’s Anak Krakatoa volcano erupted dramatically over the weekend, with significant explosions occurring on Saturday and continuing into Sunday. Thick clouds of volcanic ash enveloped the sky, prompting flight cancellations at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Sunday. Aircraft, ready for takeoff, were grounded as the ash plume rose dangerously high.
According to Antara News Agency, operations at the country’s main international airport were temporarily halted for safety reasons. The ash cloud from the eruptions soared to approximately 50,000 feet, posing serious risks to aircraft. Volcanic ash can severely damage engines and obstruct pilots’ visibility, making the decision to suspend flights a necessary precaution for passenger safety.
The eruptions affected thousands of travelers, with around 209 flights disrupted and nearly 22,800 passengers facing travel delays. Some international flight routes were altered, while numerous domestic flights were canceled. Passengers at the airport were left waiting for updates on their rescheduled flights.
The sound of the initial explosion was reported to be audible from as far as 700 kilometers away, according to the Jakarta Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD). Two additional eruptions were recorded on Sunday, further escalating concerns.
Fortunately, there have been no reports of significant damage or casualties. Officials have also indicated that there is currently no tsunami threat.
Anak Krakatoa is famously associated with the notorious Krakatoa volcano, which caused widespread devastation during its catastrophic eruption in 1883, resulting in the deaths of approximately 35,000 people. The region remains active, and BPBD has advised residents to take precautions due to potential respiratory issues from the ash, recommending the use of masks.
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