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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Disasters & Emergencies

When Anak Krakatau no longer frightens residents

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Ongoing story
  • Ash from Anak Krakatau remains in parts of Lampung, while eruptions began to ease on Tuesday.
  • The volcano remains at Level III, or Alert, and authorities warned that renewed eruptions could occur at any time.
  • Residents continued their daily activities despite lingering ash and concern, including ferry worker Ohan Heri, who said passenger numbers had changed little.

Volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau still hangs over parts of Lampung, but life around the Sunda Strait has not stopped. Residents continue working, traveling and using ferries to cross the water, even as the volcano remains on alert.

There is no ash on the ship itself. The ash is still there, but it is not as thick anymore.

· Ohan HeriA ferry cafeteria worker describing conditions aboard the vessel.

Monitoring between 6 a.m. and noon on Monday recorded 17 low-frequency earthquakes, 23 hybrid earthquakes and nine harmonic tremors. Continuous tremors were also detected. By Tuesday, the eruptions had begun to subside.

Anak Krakatau remains at Level III, or Alert. Indonesia's Geological Agency said the volcano's continuing high seismic activity means another eruption could occur at any time. Authorities have told residents, tourists and climbers to stay at least three kilometers from the active crater. During ashfall, people are advised to wear masks and eye protection, remain indoors and clean ash from vehicles regularly.

As for an increase, no, it is normal.

· Ohan HeriHis assessment of passenger numbers during the heightened volcanic activity.

That warning has not brought activity around the Sunda Strait to a halt. Ohan Heri, 58, has worked in the cafeteria of an express ferry for about five years. He said he had not heard explosions or felt shaking when the volcano's activity increased, although ash was still present and had become less thick. He also said passenger numbers had not changed significantly, with the executive ferry remaining busy at certain times.

I am afraid too. Personally, I just surrender to it. What else can I do? I am carrying out my duty.

· Ohan HeriHis explanation for continuing to work despite his concerns.

Ohan said he was still afraid but continued working because it was his duty. He recalled seeing the sea retreat after evening prayers in 2018 while at Merak Port, prompting fears of a tsunami. He watched the situation until around midnight, but no tsunami struck Merak. In Lampung Tengah, Novita Sari, 50, said ash had reached her home and forced her family to clean four or five times a day. She said neither she nor her brother in South Lampung had heard explosions.

Thankfully, thankfully.

· Ohan HeriHis reaction after no tsunami occurred at Merak in 2018.
About this summary

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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