Eruption tremors at Mount Anak Krakatau increase, raising concerns of potential eruption

The intensity of eruption tremors at Mount Anak Krakatau has significantly increased since June 26, accompanied by gray ash clouds drifting west-northwest. These emissions, containing thin volcanic ash, have been detected by satellites operated by the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre (VAAC) in Darwin, Australia.

According to Lana Saria, acting head of the Geological Agency, the increase in eruption tremors typically indicates rising magma near the surface. This condition could signal that Mount Anak Krakatau is becoming more active and potentially heading towards an eruption. Potential hazards from an eruption include pyroclastic flows, lava, incandescent rock fragments, and heavy ashfall.

Despite the heightened activity, the volcano's status has not changed and remains at Level II (Waspada/Alert). Since June 1, Sentinel satellites have observed sulfur dioxide emissions and thermal anomalies from the crater. By June 10, hotspots and a notable increase in shallow volcanic earthquakes were detected, indicating magma dynamics at the surface.

Mount Anak Krakatau, located in the Sunda Strait, is an active stratovolcano. Its history includes the catastrophic 1883 eruption of its predecessor, Krakatoa, which caused massive tsunamis. A more recent eruption in December 2018 triggered a flank collapse, leading to a tsunami that devastated coastal areas. Since then, low-scale eruptions have continued, marking the volcano's regrowth phase until December 16, 2023. A pause in eruptions has been observed since then, but the volcano continues to exhibit low-energy magmatic activity. A 2-kilometer radius around the volcano's center is currently off-limits to the public, including visitors and climbers.

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If an eruption occurs, the potential threats include pyroclastic flows, lava, ejected incandescent rocks, and heavy ashfall.