Anak Krakatau eruption halts 209 flights in Indonesia
At Soekarno-Hatta International Airport near Jakarta, Indonesia, 209 flights were suspended after volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau was detected in the airspace. More than 22,000 passengers were affected by the restrictions, BBC News reports.
Flight restrictions
Authorities said the ash was detected in the airspace near the airport on Sunday morning. The flight suspension was extended until 13:30 (06:30 GMT).
According to Indonesia's transport ministry, the restrictions primarily affected flights to and from Singapore. They also affected other international routes, including those to Doha, Sydney and Kuala Lumpur.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Volcanic activity
The Anak Krakatau eruption began late on Friday evening. Authorities reported continuous seismic activity, lava fountains and loud sounds in nearby areas. Two more eruptions occurred early on Sunday.
Authorities also confirmed that no tsunami warning was issued due to the volcano's current activity. The health minister urged residents of affected areas to stay indoors and wear protective masks because of risks to the respiratory system, eyes and skin.
Anak Krakatau, whose name means “Child of Krakatau,” has been periodically active since the beginning of the last century. The volcano formed in the caldera created after the 1883 eruption of Krakatau.
