BPBD Activates Command Chain After Ile Lewotolok Volcano Status Becomes Alert

Visual Ile Lewotolok Volcano, Lembata, NTT, Tuesday (27/2/2024). (ANTARA/HO-PVMBG)

NTT - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) strengthened coordination after the status of Ile Lewotolok Volcano rose from Alert to Alert.

"We are currently activating the command chain," said the Head of BPBD Lembata Regency, Andris Koban when contacted, Tuesday, February 27, as reported by Antara.

The increase in the status of the volcano in Lembata, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) was determined by the Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) as of Tuesday, February 27 morning.

Andris said the Lembata BPBD had strengthened the limited command regarding the mitigation of this volcanic disaster.

In a limited command, his party is connected 24 hours with the Ile Lewotolok Volcano Observation Post to continue to obtain the latest information about the volcano.

He said the information was forwarded to the village head level so that it could be distributed to the public.

Regarding the increase in the status of Ile Lewotolok Volcano, BPBD Lembata has provided socialization to the people of Jontona Village which is within the potential radius of the threat of avalanches or lava avalanches.

BPBD Lembata is also making preparations for various other anticipatory efforts related to disaster management in the area if there is a bad incident that befell the community.

"At 19.00, we want a limited command meeting at the regent's office," he said.

In an official statement received in Kupang, PVMBG has recommended the people of Lamawolo Village, Lamatokan Village, and Jontona Village to always be aware of the potential threat of avalanches or lava avalanches and hot clouds from the eastern part of the peak or crater of Mount Ile Lewotolok.

In addition, PVMBG also recommends that the people of Jontona and Todonara Villages do not enter and carry out activities within the southern and southeast sectoral areas as far as four km from the center of mountain activity.

"The people of Jontona Village should be evacuated to a safer area," said PVMBG Head Hendra Gunawan in his official statement, Tuesday, February 27.