Areas affected by volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau eruption listed

Volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau has spread across a broad area, reaching parts of Sumatra and Java. Monitoring information indicates ash in the atmosphere over Banten, parts of West Java, Jakarta, Lampung and Bengkulu.

Lana Saria, head of the Geological Agency at Indonesia’s Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, said the distribution depends heavily on weather conditions and wind direction at different atmospheric levels. “The direction and speed of winds at various heights strongly influence the direction in which the ash spreads,” she said. The height and duration of the eruption column, along with the amount of material released, also affect its movement.

The agency said ash distribution can change within a relatively short time and must be updated using the latest meteorological conditions. Its assessment combines eruption information, aviation notices from Indonesia’s Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, Darwin’s Volcanic Ash Advisory Center and Himawari-9 satellite analysis by the meteorological agency.

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The direction and speed of winds at various heights strongly influence the direction in which the ash spreads. The height of the eruption column, the duration of the eruption and the amount of material released also strongly affect its distribution.

The Geological Agency is supplying aviation stakeholders with regular mitigation data, including the eruption source, timing, ash-column height, color, intensity and direction. The information is coordinated through the Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation system and supports aviation and meteorological authorities.

Lana said the risk to aviation and populated areas rises with the eruption’s duration and intensity. “The potential for wider impacts will increase if the eruption column becomes higher, the eruption lasts longer, or winds carry ash toward flight paths and populated areas,” she said. Decisions on closing airports or adjusting operations remain with the relevant authorities, based on current ash information, forecasts and aviation safety standards. Residents have been urged to follow official information and limit outdoor activities.

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The potential for wider impacts will increase if the eruption column becomes higher, the eruption lasts longer, or winds carry ash toward flight paths and populated areas.