An eruption of Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau volcano disrupted air travel on Sunday, forcing the suspension of operations at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and affecting 209 flights, including several international services.
The airport said on Instagram that flight operations had been suspended until 9:30 a.m. local time (0230 GMT) due to volcanic ash. The suspension extended an earlier halt that had been scheduled to remain in effect until 5:30 a.m.
Indonesia’s Transportation Ministry said volcanic ash was detected near the airport early Sunday. The eruption has continued since late Friday.
Ash was detected at altitudes of up to 20,000 feet (6,000 meters) on the Java side of the volcano, while a plume reaching approximately 50,000 feet (15,000 meters) was reported on the Sumatra side and in parts of Banten province, according to Indonesia’s meteorological agency, BMKG.
The eruption has also prompted precautionary measures in nearby areas. Some school activities have been canceled, while fishing trips have been suspended.
Indonesia’s disaster mitigation agency, BNPB, urged residents to remain calm while exercising increased caution. In areas affected by ashfall, residents were advised to wear masks and eye protection, limit outdoor activities, cover water sources and drive carefully because volcanic ash can reduce visibility.
Authorities said there is currently no immediate threat of a tsunami and are continuing to monitor the situation.
Anak Krakatau is located in the Sunda Strait between the Indonesian islands of Java and Sumatra. The volcanic island emerged in 1927 from the caldera left by the devastating 1883 eruption of Krakatoa.
The volcano became the focus of renewed international attention in December 2018, when a partial collapse of its volcanic cone triggered a deadly tsunami that struck coastal communities around the Sunda Strait.
Indonesia lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region characterized by frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity, and is home to numerous active volcanoes.
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