Anak Krakatau 'eyes burning' health warning after major volcanic eruption dumps ash

Anak Krakatau 'eyes burning' health warning after major volcanic eruption dumps ash Volcanic dust has been falling on cities across Indonesia after a volcanic eruption sent ash 50,000ft into the atmosphere - sparking warnings over what to do if you get it in your eyes Residents living in the path of a huge volcanic eruption have been warned to avoid rubbing their eyes - or face permanent damage from tiny shards of glass. Thousands of flights have been grounded and a strict exclusion zone put around the island of Anak Krakatau in Indonesia after an 'explosive' eruption on Friday sent ash billowing 50,000ft into the atmosphere. Ash clouds have since begun to drift across the Jakarta and Lampung provinces and fall on populated areas, blanketing streets and forcing schools to close. It has sparked warnings from local authorities to stay indoors and wear protective face masks, due to the potential health risks from the fine dust. They include respiratory problems, aggravating pre-existing lung conditions like asthma or bronchitis, and significant eye irritation. The Jakarta Regional Disaster Management Agency said people in the affected areas should seal windows if possible, and wear N95 or KN95 masks if going outdoors. Infants and young children are at particular risk, they said, as their lungs are still developing and they breathe at a faster rate, making them more susceptible to inhaling the fine, abrasive particles. People whose eyes become irritated from contact with ash are asked to rinse them thoroughly with clean water, instead of rubbing them, as this can scratch the cornea and cause lifelong damage. Dicky Budiman, an epidemiologist from Griffith University in Australia, told Indonesia's state news agency: "Volcanic ash differs greatly from ordinary dust because it contains silica resembling sharp glass fragments that can damage exposed organs, including the eyes, nose, mouth and skin." Pregnant women and people with pre-existing conditions like asthma, chronic bronchitis, lung disease, or heart conditions have also been told to take extra precautions. Over 150,000 passengers stranded More than 150,000 passengers have been left stranded after the eruption of the volcano forced authorities to cancel all flights at the country's main airport, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, and seven others. Civil Aviation Director General Lukman F Laisa said that grounding flights was the only option, as the sharp glass within the volcanic dust poses "catastrophic risks to aircraft jet engines and cockpit visibility". Both airports have reopened, but many flights remain cancelled, delayed or subject to short-term disruptions. Foreign Office warns against all travel to parts of Indonesia The Foreign Office is advising against all travel to areas around several active volcanoes across Indonesia following the eruption. Specifically, travellers are warned to stay at least 7km away from the craters of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki (Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara), Mount Ruang (Northern Sulawesi), and Mount Ibu (North Maluku Province). The exclusion zone is set at 5km for Mount Sinabung (North Sumatra) and Mount Semeru (East Java), though the restriction for Semeru extends 13km to the southeast to include any area within 500 metres of the Besuk Kobokan riverbank. British nationals must remain at least 3km away from the crater of Mount Marapi in West Sumatra. Anyone planning to travel to Indonesia should "check with your airline or travel provider" for up to date information on your flight status, the advice adds.