Mount Anak Krakatau Erupts Overnight, Spews Lava Fountains

Mount Anak Krakatau experienced an overnight eruption, spewing lava fountains and incandescent rocks on September 5, 2026. The Geological Agency had raised the volcano's activity status to Alert Level III since July 2, 2026, with continuous eruptions and rumbling sounds. As of 4:40 a.m. Western Indonesian Time, the eruption was still ongoing, with a visible bright red plume.

The eruption column's height was not observed, but seismographs recorded a maximum amplitude of 33 mm and a duration of 14 seconds during the first morning eruptions. Subsequent eruptions occurred at irregular intervals, leading to six total eruptions before 12:01 a.m. on Saturday. These eruptions resemble lava fountains that produce lava flows, and continuous eruptions lasting several hours are common.

Public reports also noted booming sounds and vibrations in West Java, Banten, and Lampung, which are likely linked to the volcano's activity. The Geological Agency emphasized that there is no potential for a collapse on a scale that could trigger a tsunami, given the relatively small growth of Anak Krakatau since the December 22, 2018, eruption.