The Number Of Refugees From Mount Lewotobi Eruption In NTT Has Increased To 12,200 People

Head of the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), Marshal Madya (Marsma) TNI Kusworo when met in Jakarta, Monday (11/11/2024). ANTARA/Chairul Rohman

JAKARTA - Head of the Kusworo National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) said the refugee victims from the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), increased to 12,200.

"Until now, there are 9 reports in the field and 3 injuries. Of course, with developments, yesterday there were 11,000 refugees, today we get reports of around 12,200", said Kusworo in Jakarta, Antara, Monday, November 11.

Although the number of refugees continues to grow, he is grateful that there were no missing victims in the natural disaster. His party continues to strive to tackle natural disasters in accordance with applicable procedures and laws.

"I always convey the SAR operation from the joint SAR team according to Law No. 29 of 2014, so we are looking for, helping, evacuating," said Kusworo.

Of course, in ensuring the safety, security, and comfort of the refugees, he said, Basarnas provided the best place that made the refugees feel comfortable while in the designated ungsi room.

In this case, his party deployed around 2,000 to 3,000 joint SAR personnel to speed up the evacuation of victims at the disaster site. His party deployed Basarnas from Maumere and Kupang who are still at the location.

"But from Basarnas itself, we are only from Maumere and from Kupang. The relative since the golden time day is still at the location," said Kusworo.

To note, Mount Lewotobi Male-Laki in East Flores Regency experienced an eruption in the early hours of Monday (4/11). The volcanic eruption caused the death toll as well as tens of thousands of people in various villages around the affected mountain.

Previously, the Center for Volcanology & Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) had raised the status of Mount Lewotobi Laki from level III / Siaga to Level IV / Alert starting Sunday (3/11) at 24.00 WITA.

The status increase was based on the results of the evaluation of the activities of Mount Lewotobi Laki for the period 23 October to 3 November 2024 at 18.00 WITA.

Mount Lewotobi is one of the andesititic-type strato volcanoes located in the eastern part of Flores Island. Lewotobi Volcano has two peaks, namely Lewotobi Laki and Lewotobi Perempuan. It is known, the peak distance is less than two km along the northwest-east line.