Volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau reaches Serang, irritating residents' eyes

Volcanic ash from the eruption of Anak Krakatau began falling across coastal areas of Serang Regency, Banten, on Saturday night. Residents reported painful eyes, discomfort outdoors and ash settling around their homes.

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From five in the afternoon, there was a lot of dust. When I ride my motorcycle on the road, my eyes hurt if I do not wear a helmet.

Sanan, a 42-year-old resident of Pasauran Satu, said the ash had thickened around the settlement since 5 p.m. He said his eyes hurt while riding a motorcycle without a helmet, and ash stuck to his body and the floor outside his house. He also said rumbling sounds and vibrations had continued since Friday night, prompting him to visit the Anak Krakatau monitoring post to check the volcano's condition.

Ajat Sudrajat, principal of Pasir Menteng Elementary School in Cinangka, also went to the monitoring post to obtain information for students and their parents. He said traveling without a mask caused throat pain, while unprotected eyes became irritated. Although the ash was not always clearly visible in the air, it had accumulated around the monitoring post.

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If you travel without a mask, your throat already hurts, and your eyes sting without glasses.

The eruption activity caused concern in the community and contributed to low school attendance. Ajat said many residents still felt safe because such events were familiar in Pasauran, but some had chosen to move to mountainous areas for safety.

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Most people still feel safe because these things are familiar and natural for residents of Pasauran.