Latest update: Volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau eruption continues to disrupt daily life

The continuous eruption episode at Anak Krakatau has ended, but its ash has not disappeared. Material from the volcano in the Sunda Strait was still spreading across several areas on Monday, affecting daily activities and disrupting operations at some airports.

Lampung, Banten and Jakarta were among the areas that moved students to remote learning because of the ash. The eruption episode lasted about 25 hours, according to the Geological Agency of Indonesia’s Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry. The volcano has since shown periodic, light eruptions.

Geological Agency chief Lana Saria said officials continued to monitor Anak Krakatau because seismic activity remained high. “The probability of an eruption occurring in several periods ahead remains high, with hazards including incandescent rock ejections accompanied by heavy ashfall, as well as possible lava flows if continuous eruption resumes,” she said.

Authorities urged the public not to enter or conduct activities within a 3-kilometer radius of the volcano’s activity center. Residents were also told to remain alert for hot clouds, lava, incandescent rocks and heavy ashfall.

The eruption also affected foreign nationals whose travel was disrupted. The Directorate General of Immigration extended their stays by up to 30 days through a forced-stay permit, which can be extended if needed. It also set the overstay charge at zero for foreigners affected by the emergency, provided they submit a certificate from their airline or the relevant airport authority.

Immigration officials urged affected foreigners to report to the nearest immigration office with the required documents. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah also asked agencies arranging umrah pilgrimages to ensure the safety of pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia because of airport closures linked to the eruption.

“

The probability of an eruption occurring in several periods ahead remains high, with hazards including incandescent rock ejections accompanied by heavy ashfall, as well as possible lava flows if continuous eruption resumes.