Mount Anak Krakatau Erupts in Sunda Strait
Gunung Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait erupted at 18:30 Western Indonesia Time on October 31, 2026, according to the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG), detikNews reported. The eruption of the volcano in Lampung produced an unobserved ash column height, while the geological agency confirmed that no booming sounds or rumblings accompanied the activity as the eruption continued.
Volcanic Activity and Seismic Monitoring
PVMBG reported that the crater smoke of Gunung Anak Krakatau reached a height of 50 to 200 meters above the peak between 06:00 and 12:00 WIB on October 31, 2026, according to Okezone News and SINDOnews Daerah. The crater smoke appeared white with medium to thick intensity, while the volcano remained clearly visible before becoming covered by fog. During this observation window, seismic monitoring recorded three emission earthquakes with amplitudes ranging from 28 to 43 millimeters and durations between 25 and 167 seconds. Continuous tremor or microtremor activity was also recorded with amplitudes between 2 and 23 millimeters, with a dominant amplitude of 5 millimeters.
Exclusion Zones and Disaster Warnings
The geological agency maintains the status of Gunung Anak Krakatau at Level III (Siaga), prompting authorities to enforce strict safety perimeters. The agency instructed residents, visitors, and tourists not to enter or conduct activities within a 5-kilometer radius of the central eruption zone, and banned entry within a 1-kilometer radius of a new island located in the northwest and southeast sectors of the volcano. Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) placed Gunung Anak Krakatau alongside Gunung Merapi in Yogyakarta and Central Java, and Gunung Semeru in East Java, under Level III Siaga status, urging mariners and tourists to avoid approaching the Sunda Strait volcano within a 3-kilometer radius, according to MetroTVNews.com.
Public Safety and Tsunami Rumor Clarification
Authorities advised residents living along the coastal areas of Banten and Lampung provinces to remain calm and disregard unverified rumors regarding a potential tsunami triggered by the volcanic activity. CNN Indonesia reported that the Geological Agency explicitly labeled viral claims of a potential 60-meter tsunami caused by Anak Krakatau as a hoax. Residents were encouraged to continue their normal daily activities while adhering strictly to safety directions issued by local Regional Disaster Management Agencies (BPBD).
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