Anak Krakatau Erupts Eight Times as Flights Resume

Anak Krakatau erupted eight times on Tuesday, but each burst lasted only seconds and its ash spread no farther than 3 kilometers, Indonesia’s Geological Agency said.

Geological Agency head Lana Saria said the eruptions lasted about 10 to 15 seconds and produced no widespread ash dispersal. Authorities continued to enforce a 3-kilometer exclusion zone around the volcanic activity.

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We observed eight eruptions today, but within a very short interval, lasting only 10 to 15 seconds. There was no ash dispersal, and it spread only around the volcano.

Anak Krakatau remained at Level III, or Alert, and had entered a Strombolian phase that Lana said matched the volcano’s character. In this phase, eruptions have limited amplitude, do not last long and occur over only a few seconds.

Lana said volcanic ash remained a potential hazard. Its spread would depend on wind direction, the height of the ash plume and the intensity of the eruption. She also said seismic activity had declined since Sept. 5, although volcanic activity continued to be recorded at levels considered normal for movement of fluids inside the volcano.

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The threat still exists.