Indonesia has lowered the alert level for Anak Krakatau after the volcano showed signs of declining activity following weeks of eruptions.
The volcano’s status was downgraded to Alert Level II at 6.30pm on Monday, Jakarta time. It had previously been raised to Alert Level III on July 2 as volcanic activity intensified.
According to Geological Agency chief Lana Saria, Anak Krakatau recorded 224 eruptions up to September 3, with volcanic ash spreading towards parts of West Java and West Sumatra.
The volcano also produced a prolonged eruption lasting about 25 hours, from 11.07pm on September 4 until 12.04am on September 6.
Satellite imagery showed the prolonged eruption generating lava flows moving towards the west-northwest to west-southwest from the eruption centre.
Volcanic ash also reached the Greater Jakarta area, prompting authorities to temporarily close several airports, including Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, over aviation safety concerns.
Although Anak Krakatau has continued to record Strombolian eruptions, activity has generally declined since the prolonged eruption ended at midnight on September 20.
Seismic monitoring on September 20 detected one low-frequency earthquake, while the average amplitude of continuous tremors remained at just 2mm.
Despite the reduced activity, Lana warned residents, visitors, tourists and climbers against entering or carrying out activities near the volcano.
She urged the public to stay at least 2km away from the crater as authorities continue to monitor the situation.
“The activity status of Anak Krakatau will be reassessed periodically or if there are significant changes in its activity,” she said.
