The 7 KM Radius Of Mount Lewotobi Is A Sterile Man, More Than 10 Thousand Residents Are Forced To Evacuate

The house collapsed due to the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki, Floress NTT (doc BNPB)

A total of 10,295 residents who live within a radius of about seven kilometers below the foot of Mount Lewotobi Laki, East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, were given the option by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) to move their homes.

"It was moved, rather than taking the risk of potential similar disasters in the future," said Head of BNPB Suharyanto during the socialization and delivery of logistical assistance to victims of the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki, quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, November 6.

He emphasized that public safety is a top priority so that relocation or relocation of this place of residence is very important and is one of the long-term mitigation steps.

The 10,295 people or 2,734 families are residents of 14 villages in three Ile Bura, Titehena, and Wulangitang sub-districts who were victims of the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki, Monday morning.

Referring to the results of an analysis from the Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the existence of a village that is about seven kilometers adrift of the opening of the volcanic crater has the potential to be exposed to the ejection of volcanic material but also to the cold lava flood of Mount Lewotobi Laki in the future.

Mount Lewotobi Laki is one of the active volcanoes in NTT, which for most of the year has fluctuatedly increased volcanic activity. The Geological Agency of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources raised its status to level IV (Awas) starting last Sunday at 24.00 WITA. The increase in status is based on the results of the evaluation of activities for the period 23 October - 3 November 2024 at 18.00 WITA.

Suharyanto explained that there are two relocation schemes offered; residents can relocation independently to occupy land owned in other areas and the government helps build their homes or follow everything prepared by the government.

BNPB together with the East Flores Regency Government will coordinate with related ministries/agencies to implement the relocation scheme for residents who are also victims of the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki