INDONESIA has raised Anak Krakatau’s alert status to Level III, the second-highest on its four-tier volcanic warning system, after the volcano in the Sunda Strait recorded at least 13 eruptions on Friday.
The Geological Agency raised the alert from Level II at 9pm local time following an assessment of volcanic activity since early October.
The latest eruptions included an ash column reaching 250 metres above the summit at 4.17pm, followed by another plume rising 150 metres at 4.30pm, according to the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG).
Eleven further eruptions were recorded between 6.28pm and 9.20pm, while seismic monitoring detected 26 eruption-related earthquakes throughout the day.
Authorities have prohibited residents, visitors and tourists from entering within five kilometres of the volcano’s eruption centre, as well as areas within one kilometre of two newly formed islands to its north-west and south-east.
The restrictions are intended to reduce exposure to volcanic rocks, heavy ashfall, lava flows and secondary eruptions.
The Geological Agency also urged coastal communities in Banten and Lampung provinces to remain calm, avoid spreading unverified tsunami claims and follow official safety instructions.
The renewed activity follows a series of major eruptions from Sept 5 to 8 that disrupted Indonesia’s aviation sector, prompting temporary airport closures as a precaution against volcanic ash.
The earlier episode disrupted 2,961 flights and affected about 341,000 passengers, according to figures cited by authorities.
Transportation Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said the disruption highlighted the need for stronger emergency coordination among aviation authorities, airport operators, air navigation providers and airlines.
The response involved coordinated passenger assistance by airport managers and airlines, including Citilink, Garuda Indonesia and Lion Group, while operations were suspended and subsequently restored.
Anak Krakatau, which lies between Java and Sumatra, was downgraded to Level II on Sept 21 after its activity subsided following a period at Level III since early September. - October 10, 2026
