Volcanic activity of Mount Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait has once again shown an increase in intensity. Throughout Wednesday (8/7), the active volcano was recorded to have erupted three consecutive times, with the highest burst of volcanic ash reaching 100 meters above the peak, or approximately 257 meters above sea level.
The Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) currently maintains the status of Mount Anak Krakatau at Level III or Alert (Siaga). As a precautionary measure, members of the public, tourists, and fishermen are strictly prohibited from conducting any activities within a 3-kilometer radius from the main crater to avoid the risks of volcanic material.
On the other hand, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) continues to closely monitor sea level conditions around the location. To date, monitoring shows no anomalies or sea level rises that point to a potential tsunami resulting from the eruption.
BMKG's Director of Earthquakes and Tsunamis, Wijayanto, explained that the distribution of volcanic ash is currently moving predominantly northwest toward Lampung Province. Nonetheless, the direction of the ash distribution depends heavily on wind speed and direction. So far, the eruptions have only had a local impact.
The BMKG continues to monitor atmospheric conditions periodically to anticipate the worst-case scenarios that could disrupt shipping or flight paths. The public is urged to remain calm and always refer to official information from the relevant agencies regarding developments in the volcano's activity.
