The Banten Provincial Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) has declared a high alert status following the eruptive activity of Mount Anak Krakatau. The primary focus of disaster management authorities is not merely the eruption itself, but the potential tsunami threat that could stem from the volcanic activity.
Head of Banten BPBD, Lutfi Mujahidin, emphasized that mitigation measures will heavily depend on field dynamics, particularly whether the eruption triggers a significant underwater earthquake. According to him, the public does not need to panic as long as volcanic activity remains limited to ash plumes, but must remain vigilant if secondary hazard indicators arise.
Based on technical assessments, coastal communities have a window of approximately 40 minutes to evacuate after a potential post-eruption tsunami is detected. Mujahidin stressed the importance of swift action, especially if residents observe natural signs such as a sudden receding of seawater, urging them not to waste time and to head immediately to designated assembly points.
As a preventive measure, Banten BPBD continues to coordinate closely with the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) to regularly monitor seismic data. Additionally, authorities have provided specialized training to the Water Tourism Rescue Body (Balawista) to accelerate field evacuation and first-aid operations.
Residents in disaster-prone areas are advised to stay calm yet vigilant by familiarizing themselves with available evacuation routes. Understanding self-preservation safety procedures is crucial to minimizing the risk of casualties amid ongoing volcanic activity.
