Two new islands emerge near Indonesia's Anak Krakatau volcano after eruption

Two new islands have emerged off the coast of Indonesia's Anak Krakatau volcano following a series of eruptions in early September 2026. The formations, discovered after a 25-hour eruption, are located hundreds of meters to the northwest and southeast of the volcano, forming a straight line through its crater.

The Geological Agency confirmed the existence of these new landmasses through reports from mariners, volunteers, and analysis of satellite imagery. The continuous eruptions from September 4 to 6, 2026, are believed to be the cause of the new islands, which expanded the volcanic edifice by 32.8 hectares.

While the emergence of the islands is confirmed, the agency is conducting further analysis to determine if they represent new eruption vents or accumulations of secondary eruptive material. Following the eruptions, the alert status for Mount Anak Krakatau was downgraded from Level III to Level II on September 21, 2026. New hazard zones have been issued, prohibiting the public and tourists from entering within two kilometers of the main crater and one kilometer of the new islands.