JAKARTA: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has ordered government agencies and security forces to remain prepared, closely monitor developments surrounding Mount Anak Krakatau, and ensure necessary protection and assistance for the public as the volcano remains active.
He also urged people in Jakarta, Banten and Lampung, where several areas have been affected by volcanic ash, as well as communities around the Sunda Strait, where Anak Krakatau is located, to remain calm and vigilant.
“Do not approach the area around Mount Anak Krakatau and fully comply with the danger zone and safe-distance limits established by the authorities,” he said in a post on his official Instagram account on Sunday,
Volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau has prompted Indonesia to temporarily close eight airports, affecting about 150,000 passengers and 467 flights as of Sunday.
The Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Centre (PVMBG) said Anak Krakatau remained highly active and could intensify despite a significant decline in volcanic seismic signals recorded on Sunday, with round-the-clock monitoring continuing.
The volcano remains at Level III, or Siaga, the second-highest level in Indonesia’s four-tier alert system.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) Head Suharyanto said a weather modification operation would be carried out until Sunday evening to help reduce volcanic ash affecting Jakarta and surrounding areas.
Prabowo also urged people affected by volcanic ash to wear masks or other respiratory protection and reduce outdoor activities when ash was dense, as well as follow instructions from health officials and regional authorities.
The president said he would continue to closely monitor the situation and receive the latest reports from relevant authorities and take any measures necessary to ensure public safety. – BERNAMA
