Update: Krakatau volcanic ash spreads toward Jakarta, Lampung and West Java

Volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau has spread toward Jakarta, Lampung and West Java after the volcano began erupting on Friday night, according to Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency, or BMKG.

BMKG data recorded at 4 a.m. local time on Monday showed the ash moving away from the volcano’s peak in two different altitude layers. The lower layer, at up to 15,000 feet, or 4.57 kilometers, was moving from the southeast toward the northwest and covered parts of Jakarta, Banten, Lampung and West Java, as well as surrounding waters.

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Volcanic ash was observed moving away from the peak of Mount Anak Krakatau, detected in two altitude layers with different dispersal directions.

BMKG said ash at that altitude could affect air quality and visibility in impacted areas. A higher layer, reaching 50,000 feet, or 15.24 kilometers, was moving southwest to west over the Indian Ocean, west and southwest of Bengkulu, Lampung and Banten.

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At this altitude, the ash could affect air quality and visibility in the affected areas.

The higher ash cloud posed a particular risk to aviation because it was located along aircraft flight paths. BMKG also forecast that the ash would spread farther west during Monday morning.

Residents in affected areas were urged to rely on updates from BMKG, Indonesia’s Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Center, and other relevant agencies. They were also advised to monitor air quality and visibility while carrying out daily activities.

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At this altitude, the ash mainly affects aviation because it is located along aircraft flight paths.