BNPB Monitors Impact of Mount Anak Krakatau's Eruption during Mudik Period

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) is monitoring the impact of the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau amid the rising mobility of people returning to their hometowns or going on mudik trips ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1443 Hijri. The status of the volcano was previously raised from Waspada or Caution level 2 to Siaga or Alert level 3.

“Now, it’s not a critical situation yet. The information conveyed to the public is still at the preparedness stage,” said BNPB Head of Data and Information Technology Abdul Muhari at a press conference, Monday, April 25.

Abdul said the authorities would take policies that affect transportation traffic during the homecoming flow around the Sunda Strait if the eruption causes a dangerous impact. The agency would keep updating information if there is a contingency aspect.

“The action is highly dependent on the existing situation,” he remarked.

Head of the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) Dwikorita Karnawati asked the public to be aware of the potential for a tsunami due to the increased activity of Mount Anak Krakatau, especially at night.

“It is difficult to see the height of the sea waves at night,” she said.

As for mitigating the risk of a tsunami and the worsening situation, Dwikorita said the authorities needed to prepare several things. For example, clarifying evacuation routes, their signs, and the shelters.

Read: Alert Status for Mount Anak Krakatau Raised over Increasing Volcanic Activity

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA