Tangerang Residents Rush to Buy Masks as Anak Krakatau Ash Spreads

Volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau sent Tangerang residents rushing to mask shops on Sunday, with queues stretching through the Poris Indah area and contributing to traffic congestion.

Several wholesale and retail stores drew crowds as people sought protection from ash covering parts of Tangerang. Some shops limited purchases to one box per customer as supplies came under pressure.

Kamila, 24, a Poris resident, said she had visited several stores and found them all busy. "Mask sellers are crowded everywhere. Here, I was only allowed to buy one box," she said.

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Mask sellers are crowded everywhere. Here, I was only allowed to buy one box.

She said ash had already begun affecting her home. "This morning, my terrace was covered with dust, and the floor became slippery. So it is understandable that residents are buying masks in large numbers," Kamila said.

Prices had increased but remained relatively modest. A box normally costs about 15,000 rupiah, while Kamila paid 18,000 rupiah. Another resident, Rini, 40, said she paid 20,000 rupiah for a box intended for adults. She said she was willing to wait in a long line to secure the masks and hoped the eruption would not continue for long because it could disrupt residents' activities and affect their health.

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This morning, my terrace was covered with dust, and the floor became slippery. So it is understandable that residents are buying masks in large numbers.