Volcano eruption disrupts flights, closes schools in Indonesia; authorities urge caution

Indonesia: Jakarta’s main airport suspended flights on Sunday morning after Mount Anak Krakatau erupted, spewing ash high into the atmosphere. The sudden suspension at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport will last until 9:30 a.m., disrupting numerous flights, including international services.

The suspension, extending an earlier scheduled halt, was triggered after volcanic ash was detected at the terminal. The volcano, sitting roughly halfway between Java and Sumatra, has been erupting since late Friday. Ash plumes have been detected as high as 15,000 metres, forcing carriers like Singapore Airlines to cancel or reschedule flights.

Flights ground to a halt

This is not just an issue for holidaymakers and business travellers. On the ground, the eruption is hitting daily life. Several schools cancelled activities on Saturday as students and residents suffered eye irritation from the drifting ash. Local fishermen also cancelled their trips because of the eruption.

Despite the disruption, disaster agencies have reassured the public that there is no imminent tsunami risk. Although a tsunami triggered by the volcano in 2018 killed and injured hundreds of people in Indonesia, authorities are urging the public to remain calm while staying alert.

Safety measures advised

Disaster mitigation officials are advising local residents to wear face masks and eye protection during ashfall. People have also been told to reduce outdoor activities, cover open water sources, and drive with extreme caution as the ash can reduce visibility.

Anak Krakatau lies in the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area where earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are frequent. The volcano emerged a century ago from the area once occupied by Krakatoa. That historic volcano was destroyed in 1883, when its massive eruptions killed over 36,000 people in a series of tsunamis.