Dompet Dhuafa Presents Emergency Musala At The Location Of The Men's Lewotobi Mountain Refugee

Refugees, officers and security forces pray in congregation. (IST)

JAKARTA Refugees from the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Men are happy with the emergency error provided by volunteers from Dompet Dhuafa.

"For all people affected by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi, please continue to worship and continue to pray for God's blessings. So that we have the power to accept what happened as a test for us, remain patient in facing all disasters," Hasnah Eswutun said on Monday, November 18.

Hasnah Eswutun is one of the refugees for the eruption of Mount Lewotobi from Lamahala Village, Boru Village, Wulanggitang District, East Flores Regency (Flotim), East Nusa Tenggara Province (NTT).

Currently, he and his family and residents of Lamahala Village are taking refuge in a small house surrounded by views of rice fields, located in Konga Village, Titehena District, East Flores Regency, NTT Province.

This self-refuge consists of tarpaulin roofs and bamboo dips that function as a seat as well as a bed. There is only one room for the toilet, while the number of refugees reaches tens of people from various ages. As a result, everyone has to queue to use the toilet.

On the back, there are some simple kitchen utensils and survivors who work hand in hand to set up a public kitchen and a Warm Post with the Disaster Management Center (DMC) Dompet Dhuafa.

This refugees is quite lucky because the location allows access to clean water closely. On the one hand, shady trees add coolness in the midst of an emergency response situation like this.

However, with all the advantages, there are also several threats. Although NTT often experiences hot weather, this area is also prone to heavy rain and strong winds.

The most worrying thing is flooding and rain. If it rains, the wind can lift the tarpaulin. Moreover, using only bamboo like this. The water enters, the sleep becomes uncomfortable. But yes, what else do you want to do? Want to run out of the rain too," said Hasnah in a written statement received by VOI editors.

Despite facing many limitations, Hasnah remains optimistic about the emergency situation. On the sidelines of his anxiety, he continues to pray for the situation to improve soon. "Pray, just pray," he said firmly.

The answer to Hasnah's prayers and other survivors came on Monday (18/11/2024), when the Emergency Musala was established as a result of the humanitarian collaboration, including DMC Dompet Dhuafa.

With a size of 7 x 9 meters, this prayer room is equipped with a clock, loudspeaker, a place for ablution, prayer mat, and several Qur'ans. The existence of the prayer room makes the survivor feel calmer in performing worship. The thought can be calm, we can recite the Koran, pray five times. Friday night can read Yasin, said Hasnah.

Hasnah bernazar will continue her efforts to sell side dishes and vegetables in the market if the situation is normal. Usually, in a day she can generate Rp. 500,000' Rp. 600,000 in income. However, during the emergency response period, Hasnah and her husband who sell sandals and around the market do not have an income.

If it's crowded, you can get Rp. 500,000 Rp. 600,000 a day. From there I saved Rp. 100,000, the rest for spending on goods again. Alhamdulillah, that's enough for daily needs. Now there is no income at all," he added.

When the eruption occurred, Hasnah had just returned from Maumere to pick up a supply of vegetables. The groceries he bought were then taken to the evacuation post and consumed with other survivors.

At that time I was just shopping from Maumere, I was getting ready to go to the market, eh, the mountains erupted. So we brought the groceries here (the evacuation post) to eat together. It doesn't sell, all the money runs out," he recalled.

Hasnah hopes that the situation will recover soon so that she can return to selling to support her family, feed the children, and pay off debts.

"Good friends, let's pray and help break hands for the welfare and safety of the residents who survived the eruption of Mount Lewotobi. Hopefully the situation will recover soon and they can look to a better future."