The 1883 eruption of Krakatoa caused enormous explosions and tsunamis in Indonesia.
Krakatoa was a volcanic island in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra. Its eruption began in May 1883 and reached catastrophic climax on 27 August. Several explosions were heard thousands of kilometres away, and the collapsing volcanic structure generated destructive tsunamis.
More than 36,000 people died, with most deaths caused by tsunamis rather than by ash or lava. The eruption also sent ash and aerosols into the atmosphere, producing striking sunsets and temporarily influencing global temperatures.
A new volcanic cone, Anak Krakatau, or “Child of Krakatoa,” emerged in the same region in the 20th century. Krakatoa is sometimes confused with Mount Tambora, whose 1815 eruption was larger by several measures and caused the climate effects associated with the “Year Without a Summer.”