Indonesia is facing fresh volcanic activity after Mount Anak Krakatau erupted repeatedly, sending volcanic ash across parts of the country and severely disrupting air travel. The eruption forces several airports of the country to suspend operations , leaving hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded and highlighting the countries vulnerability to the volcanic disasters .
Anak Krakatau Erupts Again
Mount Anak Krakatau, which is located in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra, has been showing increased activity since late last week. The volcano produced powerful eruptions that sent ash high into the atmosphere, with ash clouds spreading toward Jakarta, Banten, West Java and parts of Sumatra.
The volcano erupted again three times on Tuesday, although the latest eruptions were smaller than the earlier activity. Authorities continue to monitor ash movement because changing wind conditions could cause further disruption to aviation.
Jakarta Airport Reopens
Jakarta’s Soekarno Hatta International Airport and four other airports resumed operations on Tuesday after volcanic ash cleared from affected airspace. However, aviation authorities are proceeding cautiously, with aircraft inspections and operational checks continuing before normal services can fully return.
The eruption had a major impact on air travel. Nearly 3,000 flights were disrupted and around 341,000 passengers were affected by cancellations, delays and diversions. Airlines are now working to clear the backlog of stranded travellers.
Why Indonesia Is So Vulnerable
Indonesia experiences frequent volcanic activity because it lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a highly active zone where tectonic plates meet. The country is home to around 130 active volcanoes, which makes volcanic eruptions a recurring natural hazard.
Anak Krakatau itself has a particularly dangerous history. It emerged from the remains of Krakatoa, whose catastrophic 1883 eruption caused enormous destruction. In 2018, another Anak Krakatau eruption triggered a tsunami which killed more than 400 people.
Authorities have said there is currently no imminent tsunami threat from the latest activity, but residents and travellers have been urged to remain alert as volcanic conditions continue to change.
Sources: The Hindu
