Krakatoa:

Background

Krakatoa is a volcano near the Indonesian island of Rakata in the Sunda Strait. It has erupted repeatedly, massively and with disastrous consequences throughout recorded history. The best known of these events occurred in late August 1883.

The 1883 eruption ejected more than six cubic miles of rock, ash, and pumice, and generated the loudest sound ever historically recorded by human beings — the cataclysmic explosion was distinctly heard as far away as Australia and Bangkok. Atmospheric shock waves reverberated around the world seven times and were felt for five days. Near Krakatoa, according to official records, 165 villages and towns were destroyed and 132 seriously damaged, 36,419 people died, and many thousands were injured by the eruption, mostly in the tsunami, which followed the explosion.

The eruption destroyed two-thirds of the pre-existing island of Krakatoa. New eruptions at the volcano since 1927 have built a new island, called Anak Krakatau (child of Krakatoa).

The Discovery Channel’s KRAKATOA dramatically depicts the events and consequences of the volcanic eruption. While actors portray people affected by the disaster, interviews with experts provide science-based information on the details of the events, the aftermath and future threats.

Talk about Krakatoa

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More Discovery Channel Specials

• KRAKATOA: Volcano of Destruction
  June 11, 2006
• GLOBAL WARMING: What You Need To Know with Tom Brokaw
  July 16, 2006
• SURVIVING KATRINA: Go to the heart of the storm
  August 27, 2006
• KOPPEL ON DISCOVERY: The Price of Security
  September 10, 2006