Indonesian Volcano Anak Krakatau Unleashes Prolonged Ash Eruption, Grounding Flights and Blanketing Jakarta

Anak Krakatau erupted ash and volcanic gases on September 5, 2026, as captured by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) aboard the Landsat 8 satellite. Located in the Sunda Strait between the Indonesian islands of Java and Sumatra, this restless volcano is known for its frequent eruptive episodes. While most of its activity remains relatively subdued, Anak Krakatau occasionally delivers more powerful and hazardous eruptions. During early September 2026, a major eruptive event persisted for over 24 hours, propelling gas and ash high into the atmosphere. The sustained eruption disrupted thousands of flights across the region and significantly degraded air quality in multiple areas, including Jakarta, the capital city.

Image credit: NASA/Michala Garrison

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