August 27, 1883 - Release The Krakatoa!

Digital WritersThe Weather Network
Digital Writers

The eruption of the Indonesian volcano, Krakatoa, was one of the most violent eruptions in recent human history – completely destroying the island on which it resides.

August 27, 1883 - Krakatoa Volcano

Image of Krakatoa Volcano. Courtesy of Getty Images

The eruption of the Indonesian volcano, Krakatoa, was one of the most violent eruptions in recent human history – completely destroying the island on which it resides.

On the morning of August 27th, 1883, a series of massive eruptions tore the volcano’s walls apart. Krakatoa’s final eruption was four times more powerful than the largest bomb that humans have detonated. Its airwaves travelled seven times around the globe.

2,000 people died as a result of thermal injury from the blasts and another 38,000 were victims of the tsunamis that followed the collapse of the volcano into the caldera below sea level. Waves as high as 37 metres were recorded as they demolished nearby towns. Some have estimated the cost of the eruption to be as high as $1.5 billion. 

On today’s podcast, Chris Mei talks about the events leading up to the volcano’s eruption and how it affected the climate and caused temperatures to drop all over the world.

“This Day In Weather History” is a daily podcast by The Weather Network that features unique and informative stories from host Chris Mei. Click here to listen and subscribe!