Mount Anak Krakatau erupts, sending ash plume 100m into the sky

Mount Anak Krakatau in Indonesia's Sunda Strait erupted on July 7, spewing a 100-meter ash column into the sky. The eruption, which occurred at 8:21 AM, released a dense grey plume that drifted northwest. Seismic monitoring recorded a maximum amplitude of 11mm over 15 seconds.

Despite the ongoing eruptions, the volcano's alert status remains at Level III (Watch), the second-highest level in Indonesia's four-tier system. A 3-kilometer exclusion zone around the crater is still in effect. Officials are conducting 24-hour surveillance to monitor key indicators like ash plume height and seismic activity.

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Eruptions are still occurring, with activity fluctuating over time. However, Mount Anak Krakatau’s status remains at the same level as before.

Authorities have urged the public, including fishermen and tourists, to stay away from the volcano. "Safety must remain the top priority until the Geological Agency issues any changes to its recommendations," said Andi Suwardi, head of the Mount Anak Krakatau Observation Post. He emphasized the need for public alertness to potential changes.

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We urge the public, fishermen, tourists and climbers not to approach Mount Anak Krakatau or conduct activities in the surrounding area. Safety must remain the top priority until the Geological Agency issues any changes to its recommendations.

The volcano has shown a significant increase in activity since June 10. Eruption tremors and low-frequency earthquakes surged, averaging over 50 events per day between June 18-19, and reaching 97 events per day from June 16 to July 2. Mount Anak Krakatau has erupted five times since July 2, prompting the Geological Agency to raise its alert status on July 3.

Local officials are also reinforcing safety warnings. South Lampung Regent Radityo Egi Pratama implored fishermen and tourism operators not to risk their lives for income in the vicinity of the active volcano. He stressed that avoiding the area is crucial to prevent any unwanted incidents, highlighting the government's commitment to public safety amid the heightened volcanic activity.

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I urge fishermen and operators offering tourism trips to temporarily stay away from the Mount Anak Krakatau area. This is for the safety of everyone and to prevent any unwanted incidents.