A volcanic eruption in Indonesia has produced thick ash, disrupting daily life and creating health risks for local residents. The volcano, known as Anak Krakatau (Child of Krakatoa), is located in the Sunda Strait between the islands of Java and Sumatra.
Indonesia's health minister has advised people in affected areas to remain indoors and wear face masks to avoid breathing problems and skin or eye irritation. On Saturday, several schools cancelled activities because students and local residents reported sore eyes. Local fishermen also cancelled fishing trips due to the heavy dust.
One local resident, Aldi Candra Prayogi, said the dust felt like small grains of sand in his eyes since Friday evening. He explained that he has to use eye drops to reduce the pain and sweep ash from his front yard every five minutes because the dust layer accumulates so quickly.
Authorities confirmed that there is currently no tsunami warning linked to the volcano's recent activity. Anak Krakatau previously collapsed in December 2018, which triggered a deadly tsunami along nearby coastlines. The volcano sits in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region known for frequent volcanic and earthquake activity.