Anak Krakatau ash: Banten puts all health facilities on high alert

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2 hours ago

Cases are currently still within normal limits.

Serang, Banten (ANTARA) – The Banten Provincial Government has put all healthcare facilities and personnel on high alert to mitigate potential public health issues caused by volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau’s eruption.

Ati Pramudji Hastuti, Head of the Banten Health Office, stated in Serang, Banten, on Monday that all hospitals, community health centers (puskesmas), public health laboratories, quarantine stations, and health posts have been instructed to activate 24-hour emergency services based on their respective local risk levels.

This preparedness push is outlined in Circular Letter No. 400.7/3234/DINKES/2026, issued by the health office.

“Cases are currently still within normal limits. However, together with all health workers, we remain on standby in line with the directives of the Banten Governor to prevent any future surge in cases,” Ati said.

She explained that volcanic ash contains particles and irritant gases that can trigger respiratory, eye, and skin irritation; worsen asthma; contaminate uncovered food and water; and cause accidents due to reduced visibility and slippery roads.

As part of the mitigation efforts, she said the Banten Health Office is requiring all health facilities to ensure the availability of essential medical equipment and supplies, as well as standby referral systems and ambulances.

These include oxygen tanks, pulse oximeters, bronchodilators, inhalers with spacers, sterile eye-wash solutions, personal protective equipment (PPE), and particulate respirators for medical staff.

Field health personnel have also been tasked with conducting daily surveillance for potential surges in respiratory cases, prioritizing vulnerable groups such as infants, children, older adults, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and individuals with chronic conditions.

The office confirmed that mask supplies are currently sufficient for distribution. Additional aid will also be dispatched soon by the Ministry of Health’s Crisis Center to Banten, Lampung, Jakarta, and West Java.