JAKARTA, Indonesia — 5 October 2026, Two new land formations resembling islands have emerged in the sea near Indonesia’s Anak Krakatau volcano following a 25-hour eruption, in what could be the volcano’s first new island formation in 96 years.
The geological phenomenon occurred after Anak Krakatau, located in the Sunda Strait, erupted continuously for 25 hours in early September.
Indonesia’s Geological Agency said one of the new formations was located about 760 meters northwest of Anak Krakatau, while the other was about 495 meters to the southeast. Both appeared almost along the same line through the volcano’s crater.
However, authorities have yet to confirm the size or height of the new land formations above sea level.
Geologists initially believe the eruption pushed highly fluid magma toward the surface through an underwater fracture running northwest to southeast. The volcanic material may then have accumulated in shallow water, forming mound-like structures.
One of the formations was accidentally captured by a drone operated by tourism activist Yodistara Nugraha. The formations were also detected in Sentinel satellite imagery.
If confirmed as new islands, the formations could mark the first time Anak Krakatau has produced separate land above sea level since it became a permanent island in 1930.
Anak Krakatau itself emerged after the catastrophic 1883 eruption of Krakatau, which killed more than 36,000 people and had global atmospheric effects. The eruption was reportedly heard nearly 5,000 kilometers away, while pressure waves traveled around the world several times.
Experts caution that the new formations may not survive. The area around the volcano is highly dynamic, with erosion, waves and continuing deposits of volcanic material constantly reshaping the coastline.
Anak Krakatau has appeared and disappeared several times before becoming a permanent island in 1930. Scientists will therefore continue monitoring whether the two new formations can remain above sea level.