Anak Krakatau Volcano Erupts in Indonesia, Authorities Issue Safety Warning

Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau volcano erupted on Saturday, spewing volcanic ash over the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra as authorities warned residents and visitors to keep away from the active volcano.

The eruption began at 11:07 pm local time on Friday and continued through the monitoring period between midnight and 6 am Saturday, according to Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB). The agency cited observations from the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG).

Despite the eruption, officials said the volcano currently does not pose a significant tsunami threat. Berton Panjaitan, acting head of BNPB’s Disaster Data, Information and Communication Centre, said PVMBG had assessed that Anak Krakatau’s present volcanic structure was too small to collapse on a scale capable of triggering a tsunami.

Why Is Anak Krakatau Being Closely Watched?

The eruption has drawn attention because Anak Krakatau has a history of dangerous volcanic activity. Its most notorious episode came in 2018, when part of the volcano collapsed into the sea and triggered a deadly tsunami that struck coastal areas of Java and Sumatra.

Authorities said, however, that the volcano’s current structure does not indicate a similar tsunami risk.

Why Are People Being Asked to Stay Away?

Anak Krakatau remains under Level III, or Siaga (Alert), Indonesia’s volcanic warning status. Authorities have imposed a 3-kilometre exclusion zone around the active crater.

Residents, tourists and other visitors have been advised not to enter the restricted area while volcanic activity continues. Officials are monitoring the situation and have urged the public to follow safety instructions issued by the authorities.