EAST FLORES, NTT — The activity level of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), was elevated from Level II (Alert) to Level III (Standby) as of Monday (1/1/2024) at 04:00 AM local time, following a week of continuous smoke emissions from the crater. This led to the evacuation of nearby communities for their safety.
To address the pressing needs, Dompet Dhuafa, through its Disaster Management Center (DMC) and the NTT Branch, launched a Public Kitchen at the Bori Village evacuation center in Wulanggitang, East Flores Regency, starting Wednesday (3/1/2024). This initiative has provided essential support to 1,130 individuals.
The Dompet Dhuafa team is also actively setting up Warmth Corner services and medical aid for the evacuees.
Baca juga: Gunung Marapi Erupsi, Dompet Dhuafa Bantu Percepatan Respons Kebencanaan
“Taqi Falsafati, the PIC for the Emergency Response to Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki’s Eruption, mentioned, “The Dompet Dhuafa team is striving to implement Warmth Corner services and medical support.”
Authorities advise residents around Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki and visitors/tourists to avoid any activities within a 3 Km radius of the eruption centers of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki and Mount Lewotobi Perempuan, and within a 4 Km radius in the northwest, north, and southeast directions from Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki’s eruption center.
Visual observations made on Thursday (4/1/2023) between 06:00 AM – 12:00 PM local time showed the volcano varying from clear visibility to being obscured by fog. Dense white smoke from the main crater was seen rising approximately 500-800 meters above the peak, under clear to rainy weather conditions, with light winds moving southwest and west.
“According to an official statement from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), the eruption has impacted five villages in Wulanggitang Subdistrict and two villages in Ile Bura Subdistrict, both proximate to the crater peak. Volcanic ash rain continues to be a frequent occurrence in these areas during eruptions, influenced by wind directions.”
We pray for the continuous protection of Allah SWT over the community and for the resilience and well-being of the disaster relief volunteers assisting the impacted survivors. (Dompet Dhuafa/DMC/NTT)