Mount Anak Krakatau Ashfall Linked to Respiratory Illness

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau has spread volcanic ash across several regions in Java and Sumatra, affecting 23 regencies in four provinces.

The Ministry of Health has recorded health impacts linked to the ash, particularly acute respiratory infections (ARI). A total of 68,919 ARI cases have been reported as a result of the volcanic ash.

“Regarding ARI in areas affected by the Mount Anak Krakatau eruption, today’s number stands at 17,780 cases,” said Ministry of Health spokesperson Widyawati during a virtual press briefing on Thursday, September 10, 2026.

A breakdown by age group shows 14,439 cases among children aged 0–1 and 54,480 cases among individuals over the age of five.

The Ministry of Health has prepared health mitigation measures in response to the eruption. A total of 413 hospitals have been placed on standby, and health service posts have been set up at 830 community health centers (puskesmas).

“Aid mobilization includes 10 oxygen concentrators for Lampung and 20 for Banten,” she said.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has urged the public to avoid activities around Mount Anak Krakatau, which is currently at Level III (Alert) status.

“Volcanology authorities continue to advise residents, tourists, and hikers against entering a 3‑kilometer radius from the active crater. Based on an analysis of Himawari‑9 RGB satellite imagery taken at 1:00 p.m. on September 10, 2026, no volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau was detected,” said Acting Head of the Center for Disaster Data, Information, and Communication at BNPB, Berton SP Panjaitan. (Misni Parjiati)