Eight airports in Indonesia suspend operations after volcanic eruption

Six airports in Indonesia suspended flight operations on Sunday following the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau, stranding hundreds of passengers. The suspension affected 301 flights, including 58 international flights, according to airport operator Angkasa Pura. Passengers stranded at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, located in Jakarta, were provided with food, light refreshments, and buses to hotels.

Anak Krakatau, located halfway between Java and Sumatra, has been erupting since late Friday, with volcanic ash detected at the airport early Sunday. Meteorological agency BMKG reported ash reached as high as 6,000 meters on the Java side and 15,000 meters on the Sumatra side. Some passengers, like Suhardi, had to cancel their morning connecting flights due to the eruption.

The disaster mitigation agency BNPB is conducting a weather modification operation to promote rain and wash away the volcanic ash. They urge the public to remain calm, wear masks and eye protection, reduce outdoor activities, and exercise caution while driving. Ferries in the Sunda Strait are operating normally, but residents are advised to stay at least 3 km away from the volcano's crater.

Meanwhile, Mount Semeru in East Java also erupted on Sunday, sending an ash column 1 km above the summit, prompting residents to stay 5 km away from the crater. Indonesia, located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.