Three regions face Anak Krakatau ash as government bolsters mitigation

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3 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s National Agency for Disaster Countermeasures (BNPB) identified South Lampung and Tanggamus in Lampung Province, as well as Pandeglang in Banten Province, as the regions most affected by volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau’s activity, assuring the public of continued government mitigation.

Acting Head of the BNPB’s Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center Berton Panjaitan said the central and regional governments would continue to closely monitor developments and coordinate efforts amid the risks from the volcano’s ash.

“The Ministry of Health has urged residents to observe their health conditions, particularly their respiratory systems, eyes, and skin,” he said in a statement issued here on Monday.

Panjaitan said people who have outdoor activities should wear protective equipment, such as masks, eyeglasses, and wash themselves upon returning home.

Residents in areas affected by volcanic ash are better off staying inside to avoid health risks amid the emergency, he added, urging the public to immediately seek help in the event of respiratory problems.

Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin has instructed community health centers, or puskesmas, in affected regions to prepare for the potential need to establish a health emergency operation center.

Mount Anak Krakatau’s eruption has also disrupted aviation services, prompting the Ministry of Transportation to temporarily halt flights at several airports on Saturday (Sept. 5), including Soekarno-Hatta, Budiarto, and Pondok Cabe airports in Banten, and Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Jakarta.

Closures were also reported at Raden Inten II Airport in Lampung and Husein Sastranegara Airport in West Java. They remained closed as of Sunday (Sept. 6) afternoon.

“The Ministry of Transportation prioritizes aviation safety and security. Airlines must not insist on flights amid adverse conditions,” Minister of Transportation Dudy Purwagandhi said.

Furthermore, the ministry stated its commitment to continuously monitor the spread of volcanic ash and update information every four hours to assess flight feasibility.

Meanwhile, sea transportation remains relatively safe from the volcano’s activities, with ferries across the Sunda Strait still operational.

Even so, ports are advised to increase vigilance and update safety information, while travelers are advised to wear masks when on board.