BNPB ensures basic needs of Lewotobi eruption victims are met

Indonesian Navy soldiers unload aid for victims of the Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki eruption from the deck of the KRI Ahmad Yani-351 onto a smaller transport ship after it dropped anchor in the Gonzalu Strait, Larantuka, East Flores District, East Nusa Tenggara, on Sunday (November 17, 2024). ANTARA FOTO/Aditya Pradana Putra/nym

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Board for Disaster Management (BNPB) stated that it is ensuring the basic needs of victims of the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Flores District, East Nusa Tenggara Province, are met.

According to a government press release received here on Sunday, food aid, clean water, clothing, temporary housing, and health facilities have been provided to residents of areas affected by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki.

"Basic needs are being met. Protection for vulnerable groups such as children, women, and the elderly is also our priority," said BNPB Deputy for Emergency Response Maj. Gen. Fajar Setyawan at the Bokang Wolomatang Village Refugee Post, Titehena Sub-District, East Flores District.

Setyawan added that the central government, regional governments, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), volunteers, and community members continue to assist victims of the eruption.

"Basic needs have been secured since the beginning of the emergency response period, and we will continue to maintain this, although there is a need to increase logistics at several points," he said.

Setyawan also mentioned that the six posts set up to help evacuees are in safe areas of East Flores, which have been deemed secure by the Center for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation (PVMBG) and the Geological Agency.

Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection Arifatul Choiri Fauzi stated that the government is paying particular attention to vulnerable groups such as children, women, and the elderly who are affected by the disaster.

"We are ensuring that everyone is safe in these difficult conditions. Everyone is healthy and receiving the proper treatment," she said.

Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted on November 4, 2024. The disaster has resulted in nine deaths, four injuries, and thousands of people displaced.

According to government data, as of November 22, 2024, at 8:00 PM (local time), 12,962 people have been affected by the volcanic eruption.

A total of 5,599 eruption victims are currently living in six field posts, while 7,363 others are staying in residents' or family homes.