Alif Ilham Fajriadi, Jakarta – The National Disaster Management Agency or BNPB noted that the number of refugees as a result of the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki reached 11,445 people. The refugees were previously in East Flores Regency and Sikka Regency. The two regencies were the main targets of the eruption as they are within a 9-kilometer radius from the active crater.
A total of 11 thousand refugees were identified from BNPB's data collection since the beginning of the eruption on Sunday, November 3, 2024, until Saturday, November 9, 2024. BNPB stated that the number of refugees continues to increase due to the expansion of the danger zone sectors of the eruption.
BNPB's Deputy for Emergency Response, Major General Lukmansyah, claimed that the conditions at the evacuation posts are getting better day by day. He also mentioned that the food needs are still being met up to this point.
"Especially at the large evacuation posts, the needs are constantly being fulfilled," Lukman said as quoted from his official statement on Monday, November 11, 2024.
Regarding addressing the trauma of the community due to the eruption, Lukman stated that a joint team has organized psychosocial activities to provide comfort and address anxiety while staying at the evacuation posts.
The government also plans to relocate two evacuation posts in Hikong Village and Kringa Village due to ashfall. Previously, these areas were already within the safe radius of the eruption as they were more than 12 kilometers away from the mountain peak.
"Buses from the East Nusa Tenggara regional government will be prepared to move the refugees. Meanwhile, the goods will be transported by trucks," Lukman said. "The evacuation posts will be relocated to East Flores in Kampung Kanada so that they are no longer disturbed by sand and ash rains."
Furthermore, Lukman also mentioned that he has started to survey and review some refugees who are not yet in official evacuation posts. These individuals are scattered in several plantation areas around the mountain because they are unable to occupy houses affected by the eruption.
"For the refugees still in their plantations, we will provide assistance and urge them to join the established evacuation posts so that all refugee needs can be fully met at the designated evacuation posts," Lukman said.
Information from the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) stated that the peak of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki is at an altitude of 1,584 meters above sea level (masl). Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki is shorter in height compared to Mount Lewotobi Perempuan, which is 1,703 masl.