Volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau, which erupted Friday evening, had spread toward Jakarta, Lampung, and West Java by Monday morning, according to Indonesia's Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG).
As of 04:00 local time Monday, BMKG detected volcanic ash moving away from the crater in two distinct layers at different altitudes, each dispersing in different directions.
The lower layer, at 4.57 kilometers altitude, moved southeast to northwest across parts of Jakarta, Banten, Lampung, West Java, and surrounding waters. The agency noted that ash at this altitude could affect air quality and visibility in affected regions.
The upper layer, at 15.24 kilometers altitude, moved southwest to west across the Indian Ocean west of Sumatra through southwest Bengkulu, Lampung, and Banten. BMKG stated that ash at this height primarily affects aviation, as it sits along aircraft flight paths.
Authorities said volcanic ash was expected to continue spreading westward Monday morning. Officials advised residents in affected areas to obtain updates from BMKG, the Center for Volcanic and Geological Disaster Mitigation, and related agencies, and to monitor air quality and visibility while conducting activities.
