Anak Krakatau Volcano Erupts Again, Disrupting Air Travel and Local Life

The Anak Krakatau volcano in Indonesia erupted again on September 5, scattering volcanic ash over various coastal areas including Banten, Lampung, and the Jabodetabek region. The volcanic activity significantly disrupted local life, leading to the closure of eight airports and affecting 1,558 flights. By Tuesday, September 8, some airports, including Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Tangerang and Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport in Jakarta, began to resume operations. Maryana, a resident of Kampung Tancang, Desa Bulakan, Kecamatan Cinangka, Serang, Banten, stated that volcanic ash began entering her yard on the evening of September 5. Traumatized by the 2018 Sunda Strait tsunami, she decided to evacuate to her relative's house in a higher location. The 2018 event was triggered by a landslide of material into the sea caused by the Anak Krakatau eruption, which generated a tsunami that hit the southern Sunda Strait coastlines of Banten and Lampung. "My house was affected by the tsunami. I evacuated for almost two weeks," Maryana told Mongabay at her home on September 6. Volcanic ash also filled the river water in Kampung Tancang, raising concerns among residents who rely on the river for daily needs. Nurhayat, another resident, noted that the water quality changed after the ash began to fall. "Washing dishes, clothes, bathing, everything is done here. This ash has been entering the river since yesterday," he said, expressing worry about the water's condition. The volcanic ash also adhered to homes and surrounding areas, disrupting residents' daily activities, with frequent cleaning of home terraces required. Maryana urged the government to promptly provide medical masks to residents affected by the volcanic ash. "I sweep it away, but the ash keeps coming back, it's constant," she lamented. Source: Mongabay Indonesia