Residents Of North Tobelo Exposed To Volcanic Ash Of Mount Dokuno

The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of North Halmahera (Halut) Regency, North Maluku (Malut) distributed masks to residents, because the volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Dokuno disrupted the activities of local residents. (ANTARA/Abdul Fatah)

TERNATE - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of North Halmahera (Halut), North Maluku (Malut) distributed masks to residents, because the volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Dokuno disrupted the activities of local residents.

"Indeed, almost this week, the area around North Tobelo was hit by the volcanic ash eruption of Mount Dokuno, so the BPBD's anticipatory step is to distribute masks for free to the public," said Halut Regency BPBD Head, Abner Manery, quoted by Antara, Tuesday, April 5.

His party has held an internal meeting with all personnel and the first step is to distribute masks to the public.

The current stock of masks is leftover from last year's remaining around 1,000 more.

"Indeed, around 1,000 dos of old stock will be distributed to people affected by the volcanic ash of Mount Dokuno," he said.

This is because the public's concern has actually led to the threat of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) due to the dangers of volcanic ash that continues to rain down on the Tobelo area and its surroundings.

Meanwhile, one of the residents, William, stated that a number of residents complained about the slow handling of technical agencies that were not responsive to the disasters that often hit the Tobelo area.

"We already know, every year there is ash rain due to the eruption of Mount Dokuno in the Tobelo region, on the second day of ash rain there should have been distribution of masks at a number of points for the community. This is very dangerous for people who suffer from asthma or respiratory diseases," he said.

Moreover, the volcanic ash spewed out by Mount Dukono has disrupted community activities. They have to ask the local hospital for masks or buy them at the market.