Satellite Tracking Shows Anak Krakatau Ash Moving Away From Indonesia

Volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau is moving away from Indonesia toward the Indian Ocean, according to satellite monitoring cited by Indonesia’s meteorological agency, BMKG.

An analysis using information from Indonesia’s Geological Agency, the Darwin Volcanic Ash Advisory Center and Himawari-9 satellite imagery detected ash from the volcano’s surface up to 6,000 feet. The ash was moving south-southwest, covering areas over the western Indian Ocean and the Banten Sea.

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BMKG monitoring shows that the volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau is expected to move away from Indonesian territory toward the Indian Ocean.

BMKG said weather around Anak Krakatau and the Sunda Strait remained clear to cloudy from morning through evening. But ash still lingering in the air could reduce visibility and disrupt aviation at certain altitudes. Some airports had begun operating again, and BMKG said their airspace and runways were safe from volcanic ash. A paper test conducted at 6 a.m. local time found no ash.

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BMKG continues to monitor the movement of the ash in real time so that all flights can operate safely.

The agency said it continued to track the ash in real time and had accelerated atmospheric clearing through weather-modification operations with Indonesia’s disaster agency and transport ministry. The operation had completed five flights: one using powdered sodium chloride, one using liquid calcium chloride and three using spraying or water mist. The flights will continue as atmospheric conditions require, until the air is clear of ash.

BMKG was also monitoring possible tsunami activity through 20 tsunami gauges and an instrument at Tanjung Lesung. It reported no significant rise in sea level or change in surface-current patterns. The agency said the likelihood of a tsunami remained low.

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Monitoring found no sea-wave anomalies, so the possibility of a tsunami is considered low.