TEMPO.CO, Bandung - The Geological Agency of the Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Ministry raised the activity status of Mount Anak Krakatau in Sunda Strait following rising volcanic activity.

“Based on visual and instrumental monitoring data as well as SO2 emission monitoring, there is significant surge in the activity of Mount Anak Krakatau and its status has been raised from Waspada or caution (level II) to Siaga or alert (level III) as of 18:00 WIB April 24,” as quoted from the release of the Geological Agency, Sunday night, April 24.

The agency also expanded no-go zones around the crater from a 2-kilometer radius to 5-kilometer radius. “People are recommended to stay away and avoid activities within 5 kilometers from the crater,” it underlined.

Located in Lampung, the volcano remains in a continuous eruption period. The eruption, which was previously ash-dominated, turned into a strombolian type and spewed incandescent lava on April 17, 2022. On April 23, 2022, at around 12:19 WIB, it was observed that lava flowed and penetrated into the sea.

The Geological Agency also observed the earthquake activity of Mount Anak Krakatau throughout April 1-24, 2022, including tectonic and local tectonic earthquakes which were felt at level I of the MMI scale.

Read: Mount Anak Krakatau Erupts Today, Spews 800-meter High Ash Column

AHMAD FIKRI (CONTRIBUTOR)