Anak Krakatau monitoring station batteries stolen

Eight batteries (accu) used to power monitoring equipment at the LV93 station on Mount Anak Krakatau were stolen. The theft is believed to have occurred between September 16 and September 27, 2026, following a volcanic eruption that had previously damaged equipment with ash and volcanic bombs.

The Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) reported that the loss caused the LV93 station to temporarily cease operations. However, technical teams have since replaced the batteries and restored the seismometer and CCTV functions to normal operation.

Authorities noted that the theft does not compromise public safety, as PVMBG utilizes a multi-layered monitoring system with backup stations, such as the Tanjung station, which remains operational. This incident follows a series of similar thefts of disaster monitoring instruments at other Indonesian volcanoes, including Mount Semeru, Gamalama, Kelud, and Papandayan.