Indonesia's Mount Anak Krakatau eruption grounds Jakarta flights, closes schools

Hundreds of flights disrupted at Jakarta's main airport on Sunday after a huge lava eruption from Mount Anal Krakatau in Indonesia.

As reported by Reuters, Jakarta's primary hub, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport temporarily suspended flight operations due to safety hazards from heavy volcanic ash. 

Over 200 domestic and international flights (including regional carriers like Singapore Airlines) also faced cancellations or severe delays.

Erupting since late Friday, the volcano has sent massive ash plumes reaching heights of 20,000 feet on the Java side and up to 50,000 feet toward Sumatra and parts of Banten province.

The recent eruption has triggered widespread disruptions across the region, heavily impacting transportation, education, and local industries.

Several schools in affected areas suspended physical classes after students and residents reported eye irritation and respiratory discomfort from the heavy ashfall.

Local fishermen canceled their daily trips and remained ashore due to low visibility, turbulent conditions, and safety precautions around the Sunda Strait.

Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency, BNPB, urges the public to remain calm and vigilant amid the situation.

BNPB pokesperson Berton Panjaitan said, "in the event of ashfall, people are advised to wear masks and eye protection, reduce outdoor activities, cover water sources and exercise caution when driving, as volcanic ash can reduce visibility."

While the eruption brings back memories of the devastating 2018 tsunami caused by the volcano, BNPB confirmed that there is currently no imminent risk of a tsunami in the region.