A massive ash cloud has spread across Southeast Asia after the eruption of Anak Krakatau, a volcanic island off the coast of Java in Indonesia, triggered by a 2.4 magnitude earthquake on December 22, 2020.
The eruption of Anak Krakatau, a volcanic island located off the coast of Java in Indonesia, has sent a massive plume of ash into the atmosphere. The explosion occurred on December 22, 2020, and was triggered by a 2.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the area.
Anak Krakatau, meaning 'Child of Krakatoa' in Indonesian, is a volcanic island located off the coast of Indonesia.
It emerged from the sea in 1927 as a result of an eruption that destroyed the original Krakatoa volcano.
The new island has continued to grow over the years due to ongoing volcanic activity.
Anak Krakatau is approximately 350 meters tall and has a base diameter of about 5 kilometers.
Its growth rate is relatively fast, with some estimates suggesting it adds up to 10 meters in height annually.
The eruption of ‘Anak Krakatau is a reminder of the power and unpredictability of volcanic activity’
Ash Cloud Spreads Across Southeast Asia
The ash cloud from the eruption spread rapidly across Southeast Asia, affecting several countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. The cloud reached as high as 18 kilometers into the atmosphere, making it one of the highest ash clouds on record. The cloud also carried with it toxic gases such as sulfur dioxide and hydrogen chloride.
Southeast Asia is a region located in the southernmost part of 'Asia', bounded by India to the north, China to the northwest, and Australia to the southeast.
The region covers an area of approximately 4.5 million square kilometers and comprises 11 countries: Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Southeast Asia is characterized by tropical rainforests, mangrove swamps, and coral reefs, with a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Impact on Air Travel
The eruption had a significant impact on air travel in the region, with several flights being grounded or diverted due to the hazardous conditions. The Indonesian Transportation Ministry advised passengers to check with their airlines for updates before flying, and travelers were warned of potential health risks associated with breathing in ash particles.
Air travel has undergone significant transformations since its inception.
The first powered, controlled, and sustained flight was made by the Wright brothers in 1903.
Commercial air travel began in the 1910s with the introduction of scheduled flights.
The development of the de Havilland Comet in the 1950s marked a new era in commercial aviation, featuring pressurized cabins and jet engines.
Today, air travel is faster, safer, and more accessible than ever, with over 4 billion passengers carried annually worldwide.
Evacuations Ordered
As the ash cloud spread, authorities ordered evacuations in areas where it was expected to fall. Residents were told to seek shelter immediately and stay indoors until the situation improved. The government also set up emergency shelters for those who had been evacuated.
The eruption of Anak Krakatau is a reminder of the power and unpredictability of volcanic activity. As scientists continue to monitor the volcano’s activity, residents in the surrounding areas remain on high alert for any further signs of unrest.
