Krakatoa erupted in 1883, causing powerful explosions and tsunamis in the Sunda Strait. The volcano occupied an island between Java and Sumatra, and its climactic explosions destroyed much of the island on 27 August.
The eruption generated enormous pressure waves, ash columns, and tsunami waves that struck nearby coastlines. More than 36,000 deaths were reported, with most caused by the tsunamis rather than by falling ash or lava. Atmospheric dust also produced vivid sunsets around the world.
The original island largely disappeared into a submarine caldera. In 1927, volcanic activity began building Anak Krakatau, meaning “Child of Krakatoa,” within the caldera. That younger cone later generated its own major collapse and tsunami in 2018.
“Krakatoa” is the widely used English form, while “Krakatau” is common in Indonesian and scientific usage. The 1883 event is distinct from the 2018 Anak Krakatau eruption, though both occurred in the same volcanic system.