Indonesia Reports No Volcanic Ash Detected After Anak Krakatau Eruption Amid Natural Disasters

BMKG reports that volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau is no longer detected over Indonesian territory as of 1am WIB on September 10 2026 after drifting westward over the ocean at high altitude, while four volcanoes including Anak Krakatau, Semeru, Ili Lewotolok and Ibu recorded 13 eruptions on the same day amid natural disasters. [1] [5]

Current Status of Volcanic Ash Dispersion

BMKG satellite monitoring confirms no volcanic ash is now visible over Indonesia or Anak Krakatau itself; earlier ash moved west at 50,000 feet and east at 12,000-15,000 feet. [1] [5] Pelaksana Harian Direktur Meteorologi Publik BMKG Ida Pramuwardani stated that based on satellite imagery since early morning, no volcanic ash dispersion was detected around Anak Krakatau or Indonesian waters and land. [1] She noted the ash had moved far westward toward the ocean at a sufficiently high altitude. [1] Monitoring showed the dispersion was no longer visible from satellite images since around 1am WIB. [1] Ida confirmed the condition around Indonesia, both waters and land, currently shows no volcanic ash, including at Anak Krakatau itself. [1]

Recent Eruption Activity Across Four Volcanoes

Four volcanoes erupted on September 6: Anak Krakatau in the Sunda Strait, Semeru in East Java, Ili Lewotolok in East Nusa Tenggara and Ibu in North Maluku. [2] On September 10, PVMBG recorded six eruptions at Ibu, four at Ili Lewotolok, two at Semeru and one at Anak Krakatau whose column height was not observed due to fog. [5] The Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation Centre stated the Anak Krakatau eruption occurred at 9.10am Western Indonesian Time. [5] Earlier monitoring between midnight and 6am showed the volcano covered by fog with three hybrid or multiphase earthquakes and continuous tremor. [5] The volcano remained on Level III alert. [5]

Four Indonesian volcanoes including Anak Krakatau erupt on the same day. — Source: gdelt

Geological Context and Expert Analysis of Natural Disasters

Badan Geologi and expert Daryono state that simultaneous eruptions are natural in Indonesia’s Ring of Fire location, result from independent magmatic systems and do not trigger one another. [2] Badan Geologi explained via its Instagram account that several volcanoes can erupt on the same day naturally and this does not automatically mean one large phenomenon connects them all. [2] Eruptions of several volcanoes on the same day are natural volcanic activity and do not trigger each other. [2] Daryono from Ikatan Ahli Kebencanaan Indonesia said the simultaneous eruption phenomenon on four volcanoes on 6 September 2026 is a manifestation of global tectonic dynamics in the Ring of Fire. [2] Indonesia lies in a complex tectonic convergence zone where the Indo-Australia, Pacific and Philippine plates meet and subduct under the Eurasian Plate. [2] Daryono noted there is no geological mechanism such as a single magma channel network connecting the magma chambers of these volcanoes. [2]

Sea and Tsunami Monitoring Results

No significant wave height increase or tsunami indicators were detected in the Sunda Strait by HF Radar or tide gauges following the Anak Krakatau eruption. [1] BMKG checked sea conditions around the Sunda Strait after the eruption and found no meaningful increase in wave height. [1] Ida Pramuwardani said the wave conditions did not show early tsunami indicators due to the Anak Krakatau eruption. [1] Monitoring using HF Radar and tide gauges showed no significant wave height increase in the Sunda Strait caused by the eruption. [1] Based on tide gauge observations, BMKG confirmed no significant sea level rise in the Sunda Strait due to the eruption. [1]

Impact on Aviation and Preparedness Measures

Volcanic ash from Ili Lewotolok kept Wunopito Airport in Lewoleba closed until at least September 11; ash from Ibu was detected up to 7,000 feet. [5] AirNav Indonesia stated Wunopito Airport remained closed due to volcanic ash from Ili Lewotolok with the closure extended until an estimated 7am local time on Friday. [5] Maluku Police are strengthening preparedness for potential disruptions to transportation and logistics caused by volcanic activity. [3] Maluku Deputy Police Chief Brig. Gen. Arif Budiman said at an interagency coordination meeting in Ambon on September 9 that disruptions to air and sea transport could have widespread impacts in the archipelago. [3] Maluku Police and stakeholders are strengthening early-warning and communication systems, developing transport contingency plans, ensuring healthcare readiness, checking personnel and support equipment, and improving interagency coordination. [3]

BMKG satellite image shows no volcanic ash detected over Anak Krakatau or Indonesian territory. — Source: gdelt

Health Precautions for Ash Exposure

Volcanic ash from Ili Lewotolok kept Wunopito Airport in Lewoleba closed until at least September 11; ash from Ibu was detected up to 7,000 feet. [5] Ikatan Dokter Anak Indonesia reminded parents to watch for health impacts from volcanic ash exposure amid ongoing Anak Krakatau activity since 4 September 2026. [4] IDAI through its Respirology Coordination Unit stated volcanic ash can trigger various acute respiratory disorders in children. [4] Ash consists of very fine rock, mineral and volcanic glass fragments with sharp abrasive surfaces that can scratch and irritate the respiratory tract when inhaled. [4] Chair of IDAI Respirology UKK dr. Wahyuni Indawati Sp.A Subsp. Respi (K) said common symptoms include airway irritation causing sneezing, coughing, runny nose up to shortness of breath. [4] IDAI recommends keeping children away from affected areas and if evacuation is not possible keeping them indoors with windows tightly closed. [4] Parents should turn off air conditioners or set them to recirculation mode and avoid using fans when ash has settled. [4] Cleaning should use a damp cloth rather than dry sweeping. [4]

What to watch next: BMKG continues satellite monitoring of ash dispersion while PVMBG tracks ongoing activity at the four volcanoes and Maluku Police maintain interagency coordination for transport readiness.

Further Reading

• Live Earthquake Tracker
• Live Volcano Activity
• Tsunami Warnings