What was the major cause of death from the eruption of mount Krakatoa?

Answer 1

Whilst there was some warning, there was insufficient warning for all the people to get away. Many did not believe there would be a major eruption because Krakatoa/ Krakatau had lain dormant for 200 years. The northern two-thirds of the island was completely decimated by the explosion. This was followed by the collapse of the unsupported volcanic chambers which formed the huge underwater caldera. The explosion, together with the collapse of the volcano, generated gigantic tsunami waves, some reaching 40m in height above sea level. These caused great destruction, wiping out hundreds of villages and towns along the nearby coasts of Java and Sumatra, and killing over 36,000 people. The waves were so huge and powerful that the steamship Berouw was carried 3km inland and deposited 10m above sea level, killing its 28 crew.

Answer 2

Most of the deaths from the 1883 eruption were caused by huge tsunamis that devastated nearby coastal areas. Several thousand people were also killed by pyroclastic flows, fast-moving clouds of burning hot ash that move along the surface.

Answer 3

The major cause of death in the 1883 eruption of mount Krakatoa was ash clouds, and deadl gases that were released into the air. :D