In Brief
- 1.7 lakh passengers stranded after Indonesia's airport closure.
- Mount Anak Krakatau eruption triggered airport shutdown.
- The eruption caused lava fountains and loud booms.
- Sounds were audible hundreds of kilometres away.
Indonesia closed a major airport after Mount Anak Krakatau erupted on Saturday, leaving approximately 1.7 lakh passengers stranded. The volcano's eruption produced a significant fountain of lava alongside booming sounds that could be heard several hundred kilometres away, according to the country's geology agency.
The closure of the airport, a vital hub in the region, highlights the substantial impact of natural disasters on air travel and public mobility. Authorities are monitoring the volcanic activity closely to assess when normal operations can resume. The eruption underscores the ongoing volcanic activity risks in the Indonesian archipelago, necessitating continued vigilance for residents and travelers.