Tag Archives: Indonesia

History

Krakatoa Erupts Killing 30,000 and Heard 3,000 Miles Away (27 Aug 1883)

On 27 May 1883 Krakatoa (Krakatau), a volcano on small island west of Sumatra in Indonesia, would render its final blasts resulting in one the deadliest volcanic eruptions in modern history.

1888 lithograph of the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa.
Image published as Plate 1 in The eruption of Krakatoa, and subsequent phenomena. Report of the Krakatoa Committee of the Royal Society (London, Trubner & Co., 1888).
Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

Krakatoa had started erupting in May 1883 and continued erupting off and on for several months. The eruptions at times were so loud they were heard in Jakarta. The eruptions seemed to quiet down for a while but then intensified in later in June resulting in more earthquakes, higher tides, and ships having to be moored with heavy chains to prevent lines snapping. Finally on 26 August it began continually erupting starting in the afternoon. The eruptions were loud and were soon heard all over Java. Ash and hot pumice also began to fall with ship crews having to deal with the hot pumice. A small tsunami was also generated.

On the morning of 27 May, Krakatoa would erupt four times starting at 5:30 am. The third one at 10:02 am was so loud it was heard 3,000 miles away with people thinking a ship offshore was firing cannons. Tsunamis were generated by each of these blasts as well completely sweeping over neighboring islands and coastlines. The final blast at 10:41 am was triggered by a landslide triggering deadly tsunamis as well. The pyroclastic flow from the eruptions crossed the water and went inland causing more death and destruction was well. Over 36,000 died from both the tsunamis and pyroclastic flows.

Studies indicate the tsunamis at one point were 120 feet high and completely stripped small islands of both people and vegetation. The pyroclastic flows stretched forty miles inland. More people died from the tsunamis than the pyroclastic flows. One steamship, the Berouw, was carried 2.5 miles inland by the tsunami killing all 28 crewmembers. No attempt was made to remove it and is still visible (though decayed by time and nature) to this day. A lighthouse was destroyed by a massive 600-ton coral block that the tsunami carried with it. Rail lines were bent, and infrastructure was damaged. Whole communities and villages were wiped out as well. The pressure wave created by the third eruption radiated outward at a speed of 675 mph (1,086 km) per hour. The eardrums of sailors on the RMS Norham Castle off Sumatra and about 64 miles away were ruptured. It is now estimated the decibel level of the third eruption was 180 decibels, the loudest sound heard by humanity.

This image shows that 2/3 of the island was destroyed in the 1883 eruption.
Image by ChrisDHDR via Wikimedia Commons
Public Domain

The pressure wave caused windows to shatter and walls to crack in Batavia (now Jakarta). Gasometers there went off scale due to this pressure wave and barographs around the world measured the pressure wave. It circled the world for three days. The final blast, believed to be a lateral explosion, is estimated to be 200 megatonnes of TNT making it more powerful than the most powerful thermonuclear weapons. The island was nearly destroyed and only a small fragment remained. No major eruptions were noted until 1920 when a new cone appeared and was named Anak Krakatau (Son of Krakatau) and grew quickly.  It erupted in 2018 creating a deadly tsunami with 260-foot waves (80 meters). 437 died but over 30,000 injured and displaced. It erupted again in 2020, but no damage resulted.

The eruption of 1883 is regarded as the first scientifically recorded and studied eruption. The study of volcanoes, volcanology, would grow from this event. It was also the first mass reporting of destruction of this type as well. The telegraph, thanks to land and undersea cables, connected the world. News of the disaster quickly spread throughout the world. What used to take weeks or even months to be known was known in days.

Sources

Mary Bagley, “Krakatoa Volcano: Facts About 1883 Eruption,” Live Science, last modified September 15, 2017, accessed August 26, 2025, https://www.livescience.com/28186-krakatoa.html.

“Krakatoa,” History.Com, last modified August 13, 2025, accessed August 26, 2025, https://www.history.com/articles/krakatoa.

“On This Day: Historic Krakatau Eruption of 1883,” National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), last modified October 15, 2024, https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/day-historic-krakatau-eruption-1883.

Suggested Reading

Editors, C. R. (2014). The 1883 eruption of Krakatoa: The History of the World’s Most Notorious Volcanic Explosions. CreateSpace

Winchester, S. (2005). Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded: August 27, 1883. Harper Collins.

Titanic News Channel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

[Update Information-This was updated from 2024 with revised article, corrections for grammar and punctuation.]

History

Krakatoa Eruption In 1883 Kills Thousands and Heard 3,000 Miles Away (27 Aug 1883)

1888 lithograph of the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa.
Image published as Plate 1 in The eruption of Krakatoa, and subsequent phenomena. Report of the Krakatoa Committee of the Royal Society (London, Trubner & Co., 1888).
Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

On 20 May 1883, Krakatau (Krakatoa)–a small volcanic island west of Sumatra in Indonesia–came alive with an eruption noticed by a passing German warship. Other eruptions would be noticed by commercial liners and those living on nearby islands for the next two months. Then on 26 Aug an enormous blast took place that destroyed nearly two-thirds of the island. Pyroclastic flows and huge tsunamis would sweep over nearby islands and coastlines. But the worst came the following morning, 27 Aug, at 05:30 am. Four eruptions would took place with the resulting sound heard over 3,000 miles away. Ash was propelled fifty miles into the air and would circulate around the globe creating colorful sunsets but also lowering temperatures worldwide by several degrees.

36,000 deaths resulted from the eruption and 31,000 were from the tsunamis created when much of the island fell into the water. The highest waves were 120 feet high when they washed over neighboring islands stripping them of people and vegetation. Pyroclastic flows that stretched as far as 40 miles claimed about 4,500.

This image shows that 2/3 of the island was destroyed in the 1883 eruption.
Image by ChrisDHDR via Wikimedia Commons
Public Domain

The Krakatau eruption of 1883 is considered one of the most violent volcanic activities in modern times and even recorded history. However volcanic activity continues in that area. In 1927, a submarine lava dome was detected in the area that had been destroyed by the eruption in 1883. A new island volcano began to emerge spewing ash. Other islands also started appearing as well but eroded away by the sea. Ultimately a fourth one appeared in August 1930 and was able to last. It was named Anak Krakatau and continues to grow taller each year. It is an active volcano and seemed similar to Stromboli in its eruptions. However more recent eruptions have resulted in volcanologists to warning people to keep a safe distance away. And more ominous is that a large lava dome is growing in its crater. Signs point to one day a very explosive event occurring at this volcano.

Sources:

Bagley, M. (2017, September 15). Krakatoa volcano: Facts about 1883 eruption. livescience.com. https://www.livescience.com/28186-krakatoa.html

Krakatoa – Eruption, Causes & Impact. (2023, May 2). HISTORY. https://www.history.com/topics/natural-disasters-and-environment/krakatoa

On This Day: Historic Krakatau Eruption of 1883. (2024, March 25). National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/day-historic-krakatau-eruption-1883

 

Suggested Reading

Editors, C. R. (2014). The 1883 eruption of Krakatoa: The History of the World’s Most Notorious Volcanic Explosions. CreateSpace

Winchester, S. (2005). Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded: August 27, 1883. Harper Collins.

 

Titanic News Channel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

History

Krakatoa Eruption In 1883 Kills Thousands and Heard 3,000 Miles Away (27 Aug 1883)

1888 lithograph of the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa.
Image published as Plate 1 in The eruption of Krakatoa, and subsequent phenomena. Report of the Krakatoa Committee of the Royal Society (London, Trubner & Co., 1888).
Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

On 20 May 1883, Krakatau (Krakatoa)–a small volcanic island west of Sumatra in Indonesia–came alive with an eruption noticed by a passing German warship. Other eruptions would be noticed by commercial liners and those living on nearby islands for the next two months. Then on 26 Aug an enormous blast took place that destroyed nearly two-thirds of the island. Pyroclastic flows and huge tsunamis would sweep over nearby islands and coastlines. But the worst came the following morning, 27 Aug, at 05:30 am. Four eruptions would took place with the resulting sound heard over 3,000 miles away. Ash was propelled fifty miles into the air and would circulate around the globe creating colorful sunsets but also lowering temperatures worldwide by several degrees.

36,000 deaths resulted from the eruption and 31,000 were from the tsunamis created when much of the island fell into the water. The highest waves were 120 feet high when they washed over neighboring islands stripping them of people and vegetation. Pyroclastic flows that stretched as far as 40 miles claimed about 4,500.

This image shows that 2/3 of the island was destroyed in the 1883 eruption.
Image by ChrisDHDR via Wikimedia Commons
Public Domain

The Krakatau eruption of 1883 is considered one of the most violent volcanic activities in modern times and even recorded history. However volcanic activity continues in that area. In 1927, a submarine lava dome was detected in the area that had been destroyed by the eruption in 1883. A new island volcano began to emerge spewing ash. Other islands also started appearing as well but eroded away by the sea. Ultimately a fourth one appeared in August 1930 and was able to last. It was named Anak Krakatau and continues to grow taller each year. It is an active volcano and seemed similar to Stromboli in its eruptions. However more recent eruptions have resulted in volcanologists to warning people to keep a safe distance away. And more ominous is that a large lava dome is growing in its crater. Signs point to one day a very explosive event occurring at this volcano.

Sources:

Bagley, M. (2017, September 15). Krakatoa volcano: Facts about 1883 eruption. livescience.com. https://www.livescience.com/28186-krakatoa.html

Krakatoa – Eruption, Causes & Impact. (2023, May 2). HISTORY. https://www.history.com/topics/natural-disasters-and-environment/krakatoa

On This Day: Historic Krakatau Eruption of 1883. (2024, March 25). National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/day-historic-krakatau-eruption-1883

 


History

Krakatoa Eruption Kills Thousands and Heard 3,000 Miles Away (27 Aug 1883)

The eruption of Krakatoa, and subsequent phenomena. Report of the Krakatoa Committee of the Royal Society (London, Trubner & Co., 1888) Public Domain
The eruption of Krakatoa, and subsequent phenomena. Report of the Krakatoa Committee of the Royal Society (London, Trubner & Co., 1888)
Public Domain

On 20 May 1883, Krakatau(Krakatoa)–a small volcanic island west of Sumatra in Indonesia–came alive with an eruption noticed by a passing German warship. Other eruptions would be noticed by commercial liners and those living on nearby islands for the next two months. Then on 26 Aug an enormous blast took place that destroyed nearly two-thirds of the island. Pyroclastic flows and huge tsunamis would sweep over nearby islands and coastlines. But the worst came the following morning, 27 Aug, at 05:30. Four eruptions would took place with the resulting sound heard over 3,000 miles away. Ash was propelled fifty miles into the air and would circulate around the globe creating colorful sunsets but also lowering temperatures worldwide by several degrees.

36,000 deaths resulted from the eruption and 31,000 were from the tsunamis created when much of the island fell into the water. The highest waves were 120 feet high when they washed over neighboring islands stripping them of people and vegetation. Pyroclastic flows that stretched as far as 40 miles claimed about 4,500.

The Krakatau eruption of 1883 is considered one of the most violent volcanic activities in modern times and even recorded history. However volcanic activity continues in that area. In 1927, a submarine lava dome was detected in the area that had been destroyed by the eruption in 1883. A new island volcano began to emerge spewing ash. Other islands also started appearing as well but eroded away by the sea. Ultimately a fourth one appeared in August 1930 and was able to last. It was named Anak Krakatau and continues to grow taller each year. It is an active volcano and seemed similar to Stromboli in its eruptions. However more recent eruptions have resulted in volcanologists to warning people to keep a safe distance away. And more ominous is that a large lava dome is growing in its crater. Signs point to one day a very explosive event occurring at this volcano.


Titanic

Krakatoa Eruption In 1883 Kills Thousands and Heard 3,000 Miles Away (20 May 1889)

The eruption of Krakatoa, and subsequent phenomena. Report of the Krakatoa Committee of the Royal Society (London, Trubner & Co., 1888)
Public Domain

On 20 May 1883, Krakatau(Krakatoa)–a small volcanic island west of Sumatra in Indonesia–came alive with an eruption noticed by a passing German warship. Other eruptions would be noticed by commercial liners and those living on nearby islands for the next two months. Then on 26 Aug an enormous blast took place that destroyed nearly two-thirds of the island. Pyroclastic flows and huge tsunamis would sweep over nearby islands and coastlines. But the worst came the following morning, 27 Aug, at 05:30 am. Four eruptions would took place with the resulting sound heard over 3,000 miles away. Ash was propelled fifty miles into the air and would circulate around the globe creating colorful sunsets but also lowering temperatures worldwide by several degrees.

36,000 deaths resulted from the eruption and 31,000 were from the tsunamis created when much of the island fell into the water. The highest waves were 120 feet high when they washed over neighboring islands stripping them of people and vegetation. Pyroclastic flows that stretched as far as 40 miles claimed about 4,500.

The Krakatau eruption of 1883 is considered one of the most violent volcanic activities in modern times and even recorded history. However volcanic activity continues in that area. In 1927, a submarine lava dome was detected in the area that had been destroyed by the eruption in 1883. A new island volcano began to emerge spewing ash. Other islands also started appearing as well but eroded away by the sea. Ultimately a fourth one appeared in August 1930 and was able to last. It was named Anak Krakatau and continues to grow taller each year. It is an active volcano and seemed similar to Stromboli in its eruptions. However more recent eruptions have resulted in volcanologists to warning people to keep a safe distance away. And more ominous is that a large lava dome is growing in its crater. Signs point to one day a very explosive event occurring at this volcano.

Sources:

 


History

REMEMBERING HISTORY: KRAKATOA ERUPTION CAUSES MASSIVE DEATHS

The eruption of Krakatoa, and subsequent phenomena. Report of the Krakatoa Committee of the Royal Society (London, Trubner & Co., 1888)
Public Domain

On 20 May 1883, Krakatau(Krakatoa)–a small volcanic island west of Sumatra in Indonesia–came alive with an eruption noticed by a passing German warship. Other eruptions would be noticed by commercial liners and those living on nearby islands for the next two months. Then on 26 Aug an enormous blast took place that destroyed nearly two-thirds of the island. Pyroclastic flows and huge tsunamis would sweep over nearby islands and coastlines. But the worst came the following morning, At 05:30 am four eruptions would took place with the resulting sound heard over 3,000 miles away. Ash was propelled fifty miles into the air and would circulate around the globe creating colorful sunsets but also lowering temperatures worldwide by several degrees.

36,000 deaths resulted from the eruption and 31,000 were from the tsunamis created when much of the island fell into the water. The highest waves were 120 feet high when they washed over neighboring islands stripping them of people and vegetation. Pyroclastic flows that stretched as far as 40 miles claimed about 4,500.

The Krakatau eruption of 1883 is considered one of the most violent volcanic activities in modern times and even recorded history. However volcanic activity continues in that area. In 1927, a submarine lava dome was detected in the area that had been destroyed by the eruption in 1883. A new island volcano began to emerge spewing ash. Other islands also started appearing as well but eroded away by the sea. Ultimately a fourth one appeared in August 1930 and was able to last. It was named Anak Krakatau and continues to grow taller each year. It is an active volcano and seemed similar to Stromboli in its eruptions. However more recent eruptions have resulted in volcanologists to warning people to keep a safe distance away. And more ominous is that a large lava dome is growing in its crater. Signs point to one day a very explosive event occurring at this volcano.

History

Krakatoa Eruption In 1883 Kills Thousands and Heard 3,000 Miles Away

The eruption of Krakatoa, and subsequent phenomena. Report of the Krakatoa Committee of the Royal Society (London, Trubner & Co., 1888) Public Domain
The eruption of Krakatoa, and subsequent phenomena. Report of the Krakatoa Committee of the Royal Society (London, Trubner & Co., 1888)
Public Domain

On 20 May 1883, Krakatau(Krakatoa)–a small volcanic island west of Sumatra in Indonesia–came alive with an eruption noticed by a passing German warship. Other eruptions would be noticed by commercial liners and those living on nearby islands for the next two months. Then on 26 Aug an enormous blast took place that destroyed nearly two-thirds of the island. Pyroclastic flows and huge tsunamis would sweep over nearby islands and coastlines. But the worst came the following morning, 27 Aug, at 05:30. Four eruptions would took place with the resulting sound heard over 3,000 miles away. Ash was propelled fifty miles into the air and would circulate around the globe creating colorful sunsets but also lowering temperatures worldwide by several degrees.

36,000 deaths resulted from the eruption and 31,000 were from the tsunamis created when much of the island fell into the water. The highest waves were 120 feet high when they washed over neighboring islands stripping them of people and vegetation. Pyroclastic flows that stretched as far as 40 miles claimed about 4,500.

The Krakatau eruption of 1883 is considered one of the most violent volcanic activities in modern times and even recorded history. However volcanic activity continues in that area. In 1927, a submarine lava dome was detected in the area that had been destroyed by the eruption in 1883. A new island volcano began to emerge spewing ash. Other islands also started appearing as well but eroded away by the sea. Ultimately a fourth one appeared in August 1930 and was able to last. It was named Anak Krakatau and continues to grow taller each year. It is an active volcano and seemed similar to Stromboli in its eruptions. However more recent eruptions have resulted in volcanologists to warning people to keep a safe distance away. And more ominous is that a large lava dome is growing in its crater. Signs point to one day a very explosive event occurring at this volcano.