ASARNews, Flores Timur – The eruption of Mount Lewotobi has forced thousands of residents to flee their homes. According to the latest data from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), 11,553 people have been evacuated so far.

The evacuees are spread across 8 locations, with most in East Flores Regency and the rest in Sikka Regency. BNPB Head, Lieutenant General TNI Suharyanto, explained in a press statement on Tuesday (November 12) that the volcanic ash movement towards the southwest has prompted the relocation of some evacuation points in Sikka to East Flores.

“There are six points in East Flores Regency, and two points in Sikka Regency. The two points in Sikka will gradually be moved to East Flores. There are already some points, and the relocation process is ongoing,” Suharyanto said during a press conference at the BNPB headquarters.

Mount Lewotobi continues to erupt, with the Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Center (PVMBG) recording 17 eruptions from early morning until evening on November 12, 2024. This has led to a change in the danger radius, as explained by Suharyanto: “The 11,553 figure is the latest after PVMBG increased the danger radius. It was initially 7 kilometers, but due to the ash moving southwest, it has now been extended to 9 kilometers.”

Currently, humanitarian aid is being continuously distributed to the victims of Mount Lewotobi’s eruption. The Indonesian Volunteer Action Unit (KSATRIA), which is part of ASAR Humanity’s field team, is responsible for distributing urgent needs such as masks, food, and hygiene kits.

“Insya Allah, our aid includes masks, food, and hygiene kits. The KSATRIA team will distribute these, and I will also be going to the field to oversee the aid distribution,” said Muhammad Albar, head of ASAR Humanity’s disaster response program.

ASAR Humanity is still accepting donations to help those affected by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi.