Eruption of 'Anak Krakatau' Closes 8 Indonesian Airports

Indonesia suspended operations at its main international airport near Jakarta on Sunday, along with hundreds of flights at seven other airports, following the eruption of Anak Krakatau volcano 150 kilometers from the capital, disrupting the plans of thousands of travelers.

Anak Krakatau erupted the day before yesterday, spewing a lava fountain and producing thunderous sounds audible up to 700 kilometers away, according to Indonesia’s Geological Agency. The Volcanology Agency reported that two new volcanoes erupted yesterday.

Volcanic ash was detected in the airspace surrounding Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, prompting authorities to suspend operations there before the closure was extended five additional times, the most recent being the latest. Later, an official statement said operations were also suspended at seven other airports.

The volcano has been intermittently active since it emerged from the sea in the early 20th century, in the large crater formed after the 1883 eruption of Mount Krakatau. That disaster was among the most destructive in history, with an estimated death toll of around 35,000 people.

Lana Sari, head of the state Geological Agency, said, “Seismic activity indicates the movement or emission of volcanic fluids within the volcanic system,” but added, “However, it is not possible to accurately predict the timing, magnitude, or nature of the next eruption.”