TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The increased volcanic activity of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Flores forced the evacuation of 5,464 residents, including children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities, in the five sub-districts affected by the eruption of the volcano.

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported that the five sub-districts are Wulanggitang, Titehena, Demon Pagong, Ile Bura, and Larantuka. The disaster emergency alert status has also been declared in the area since January 1, 2024.

The agency’s spokesperson Abdul Muhari confirmed that the alert status would last until January 14, 2024. The authorities have raised the volcano’s alert status to the highest level, Level IV, which prohibits all activities within five kilometers of the mountain’s crater and requires evacuation.

Abdul outlined that there are 5,464 evacuees, consisting of 575 elderly people, 312 children, 118 nursing mothers, 76 toddlers, 23 pregnant women, and 12 people with disabilities. “Most of the evacuees came from Wulanggitang District, totaling 3,609,” he said on Thursday, January 11, 2024.

Abdul also said that the regional government in tandem with the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the National Police has set up a public kitchen to provide food for the evacuees. “The East Flores Regency government is collaborating with Bank NTT to open community donations to assist in providing services for the evacuees,” he said.

ALIF ILHAM FAJRIADI

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