BMKG Forecasts Anak Krakatau Ash Cloud Moving Away from Indonesia

Volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau was forecast to move away from Indonesia on Tuesday, easing conditions enough for authorities to reopen five airports.

The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency, known as BMKG, said ash remained visible from the volcano’s summit and could still reduce air quality and visibility. At certain altitudes, it could also disrupt aviation.

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There is still volcanic ash spreading, lowering air quality and visibility, and at certain altitudes it could disrupt flight operations. The Anak Krakatau volcanic ash is forecast to move away from Indonesian territory.

Based on information from Indonesia’s volcanology agency, PVMBG, Darwin’s Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre and Himawari-9 satellite imagery, BMKG identified ash extending from the surface to 6,000 feet, or 1.8 kilometers. The plume was observed moving toward the south-southwest over the northwestern Indian Ocean, west of Banten.

BMKG urged people in affected areas to follow official information from BMKG, PVMBG and other relevant agencies, while monitoring air quality and visibility. As the ash was forecast to move away from Indonesian territory, officials reopened Soekarno-Hatta, Halim Perdanakusuma and Husein Sastranegara airports from 12:01 a.m. local time. Budiarto Curug and Pondok Cabe airports in Banten reopened at 2:25 a.m.

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People in affected areas should ensure they receive official information from BMKG, PVMBG and relevant agencies, and pay attention to air quality and visibility conditions.