Jakarta Residents Scramble for Masks Amid Anak Krakatau Ashfall

Residents in Jakarta are scrambling to buy masks as volcanic ash from the Anak Krakatau eruption begins to spread across the capital. On Sunday (6/9), a street vendor in the Andara underpass area of Pondok Labu, South Jakarta, was crowded with citizens purchasing masks. According to local media reports, residents were seen buying masks in bulk, with some purchasing two boxes of 50 pieces each. Smaller packs of 10, as well as masks for children and for hijab wearers, were also in high demand. Dian and Supri, residents of Lebak Bulus II, intentionally bought more masks due to the current situation of volcanic ash from the Anak Krakatau eruption reaching Jakarta. "I usually buy masks, but this time there's ash, right? So I'm buying more," said Supri. Dian added, "He [the vendor] said the goods will arrive this afternoon. The ones I usually buy are cheaper, around Rp8,000, but they are out of stock." Reino, a resident of Andara, also bought masks due to the deteriorating air quality caused by the volcanic ash. Reino admitted to being surprised as his home was covered in volcanic ash since the morning. "I do prepare masks at home from time to time. Our air quality is not good anyway," said Reino. "It's extremely hot and all sorts of things, plus there are many viruses and diseases, so it's very effective to keep masks available," he added. Marulitua Sijabat, Head of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), urged residents to be aware of the impacts of volcanic ash. He outlined several steps residents can take to deal with the ashfall from Anak Krakatau, which has begun to cover Jakarta. First, wear a mask when engaging in outdoor activities. Regular cloth masks may not be optimal for filtering volcanic ash particles. Second, close doors, windows, and ventilation in homes. Residents are advised to turn off fans or air conditioners that draw air from outside if the surrounding air quality is affected by ash. Third, reduce outdoor activities, especially for infants, children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with asthma, lung disease, or heart disease. Fourth, if ash is present around the house, wet it before cleaning. Sweeping dry ash can cause particles to become airborne again and be inhaled. Fifth, cover water and food storage. Water or food exposed to volcanic ash should not be consumed. Sixth, individuals experiencing severe shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent coughing, or worsening eye irritation should seek immediate medical attention at health facilities. Seventh, contact Jakarta Siaga services at number 112 to report emergencies in the DKI Jakarta area. Source: CNN Indonesia