2,562 Residents Remain Evacuated Due to Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki’s Volcanic Activity

Photos of the atmosphere of the Mount Lewotobi Male refugee post in Kobasoma Village, Titehena, (DOC ANTARA)

JAKARTA – A total of 2,562 residents in East Flores Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), are still in evacuation centers due to the fluctuating conditions of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki. This information was released by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) based on the latest monitoring results as of early August.

"The volcano's status has not been downgraded; it remains at Level IV. We continue to monitor developments with volcanologists from the Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG)," said Abdul Muhari, Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, in Jakarta on Tuesday, August 5.

The evacuees are currently spread across 13 evacuation centers in East Flores. These locations range from emergency tents to temporary housing equipped with basic facilities such as public kitchens, logistics, clean water, health services, and emergency schools.

Abdul explained that BNPB, along with several ministries and other technical institutions, also ensures that additional logistical assistance from the central government will continue to be distributed according to residents' needs.

"Residents have been surviving in evacuation centers for more than 12 months. We will continue to strive to ensure that aid is in line with the numbers and actual needs on the ground," he said.

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) also reminded provincial and district governments to remain alert for potential aftershocks. Recent monitoring indicates ongoing volcanic seismic activity, with smoke billowing from the crater of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki as high as 100 meters from the summit.

"We remain alert "To support local governments, especially in meeting basic needs and potential temporary relocation if conditions worsen," said Abdul.