Indonesia's main airport suspends operations after volcanic eruption

Indonesia has halted operations at its main international airport outside Jakarta due to ash spewing from the Anak Krakatoa volcano, more than 150 kilometres away.

"The latest paper test…showed positive results indicating the spread of volcanic ash in the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport area, consequently the airport closure was extended until Sunday at 09:30 am (0230 GMT)," the transport ministry said in a statement on Sunday.

Dispersal of volcanic ash has disrupted activities in Lampung province in Indonesia's Sumatra island and Banten province on Java, said Berton Panjaitan, a spokesperson for Indonesia's disaster mitigation agency, BNPB.

"BNPB urges the public to remain calm while increasing vigilance. In the event of ashfall, people are advised to wear masks and eye protection, reduce outdoor activities, cover water sources and exercise caution when driving, as volcanic ash can reduce visibility," he said.

Several schools cancelled activities on Saturday, with students and residents suffering eye irritation from the ash, while fishermen cancelled their fishing trips due to the eruption, local media outlet Kompas reported.

The disaster mitigation agency said on Saturday there was no imminent risk of tsunami from the volcano.

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Source: TRT