Men's Lewotobi Emergency Alert Status Extended Until September

Illustration (Photo: Doc. ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The government of East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) has determined an extension of the natural disaster emergency status for the eruption of the Lewotobi Laki Volcano until September 2024.

"The three-month extension starts from June 25 to September 24, 2024," said Head of Emergency and Logistics Division of BPBD East Flores Regency Avelina Hallan as reported by ANTARA, Sunday, June 30.

He said the extension of the emergency alert status was based on the evaluation that the volcanic eruption was still happening and could not be predicted when it would end.

For this reason, the emergency alert status has been extended so that disaster preparedness efforts continue to run while handling residents.

Mount Lewotobi Male is an active volcano in Wulanggitang District which is now at Level III or Alert.

Based on a report from the Lewotobi Laki Volcano Observation Post, continuous eruption events occurred with ash heights ranging from 300 meters to 1,000 meters.

This caused several villages in Wulanggitang and Ile Bura sub-districts to be filled with volcanic ash.

To overcome this, the BPBD team has carried out water sprinkling, both on highways, Trans Maumere-Larantuka main roads, to village alleys.

In addition, the sub-district has also distributed mask assistance from local governments so that the community can use it to avoid exposure to volcanic ash.

"People should wear masks," said Avelina.

Local governments have also prepared locations to evacuate residents if the level of mountain activity rises to Level IV Watch out.

The locations that have been prepared are elementary and junior high schools in Boru, Wulanggitang District, and Bonkang Village in Titehena District.

Furthermore, BPBD East Flores Regency also prepared equipment, such as cars and lamp towers, as well as logistics such as folding mattresses and blankets.

To meet the need for clean water at the evacuation site, the BPBD of East Flores Regency has alerted three water tankers. BPBD of East Flores Regency also still has stock of basic necessities for the use of refugees.