Krakatau eruption: Tsunami risk remains low, but waves could reach 3 meters, BMKG says

The chance of a tsunami triggered by the Anak Krakatau eruption remains low, Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency, or BMKG, said. But waves around the Sunda Strait could reach up to 3 meters over the next seven days.

BMKG based its assessment on tsunami detection equipment and sea-level checks. Monitoring through 20 tsunami gauges and the HF Radar Array at Carita and Tanjung Lesung found no sea-level wave anomaly. Acting deputy for geophysics Ardhasena Sopaheluwakan said the probability of a tsunami was in the low category, below 50 percent.

“For now, no anomalous rise in sea level or significant change in surface current patterns has been detected that would indicate an impending tsunami,” Ardhasena said. BMKG forecast wave heights of 0.5 to 3 meters in areas around the Sunda Strait from September 8 to 13.

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So the probability of a tsunami is in the low category, or below 50 percent.

The agency cited the latest information from Indonesia's Volcanology, Meteorology and Geological Agency, which recorded a new eruption at Anak Krakatau at 7:49 a.m. local time. The eruption had a maximum amplitude of 48 millimeters and lasted 19 seconds, placing it in the category of a small Strombolian eruption.

BMKG continues to monitor geomagnetic disturbances and volcanic lightning linked to the volcano's activity. It recorded minor geomagnetic disturbance and volcanic lightning between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. the previous night, but said the activity had declined compared with earlier days.

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For now, no anomalous rise in sea level or significant change in surface current patterns has been detected that would indicate an impending tsunami.