SITUATION OVERVIEW

Since the last eruption 11 years ago , Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), has once again shaken the lives of the surrounding communities. On December 17, 2023, the volcano elevated its status to Alert (Level II) . Since then, eruptions have continued, raising the status to Alert Level III on January 1, 2024, and reaching Alert Level IV on January 9, 2024. These eruptions not only create a direct threat from eruption materials and pyroclastic flows but also seriously impact the community's daily lives, especially in Wulanggitang, Ile Bura, and Solor Barat districts.

The eruption column soared out of the crater of Mount Lewotobi on Tuesday (9/1/2024) in East Nusa Tenggara, (Photo: ANTARA/HO-PVMBG)

The most pressing issue is the unmet basic needs in evacuation areas. Top priorities include access to clean water, adequate sanitation facilities, and non-food item supply. Until now, most affected areas still needed more clean water, with approximately 77.08% of dirty water and waste lacking proper containment. Sanitation facilities, especially separate toilets for males and females, are still minimal, reaching 93.88%. Additionally, evacuation sites, particularly the main posts in Wulanggitang and Konga, are experiencing shortages of food supplies, bedding, and other daily necessities.

Conditions at the Posts Balai Pertanian, one of the sub-posts of the Konga Evacuation Post

During the eruption, access to clean water is challenging as the community's water storage are polluted by volcano ash (Photo: YPPS/CIS Timor)

Night at the Konga Evacuation Post with limited shelter kits (Photo: YPPS/CIS Timor)

OUR EMERGENCY PLAN

Given these conditions, the proposed emergency response will support 249 families (approximately 884 individuals) in 3 districts across 10 villages . The support will be focused on supporting the logistic and equipment cluster in providing for the immediate needs of the affected families, with the following details:

1. Family Kit

The family kit provides essential items to offer comfort and essential living supplies, including:

• Sleeping mat
• Blanket
• Eating utensils (plate, spoon, and glass)
• Bucket
• Dipper

2. WASH kit and supplies

The hygiene kit is tailored to promote personal hygiene and well-being by providing the following:

• Underwear
• Towel
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Shampoo
• Soap
• Menstrual pad
• Clean water distribution

3. Cash-Voucher Assistance (CVA)

Recognizing the diverse needs of evacuees, IDR 300,000 worth of  vouchers redeemable for daily necessities will be distributed to 249 families . This proposed program is expected to provide concrete solutions to the urgent issues faced by communities affected by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki. With strong support and cooperation, this program can be a crucial first step in alleviating suffering and rebuilding hope among needy communities.

Timeframe

The entire emergency response process, including further assessments, beneficiary registration and verification, procurement and distribution of assistance, educational activities, documentation, and reporting, is estimated to take approximately 8 weeks overall . However, the duration of the emergency response will also be adjusted based on the evolving conditions at the disaster site.

Recovery Plan

Based on our rapid assessment and analysis, the following are two linked disaster recovery plans for 3 districts affected by mountain eruptions, focused on disaster adaptation and mitigation:

1. Capacity building followed by the establishment of a Community Disaster Management Group (KMPB) in 10 villages, including Boru Kedang Village, Konga Village, Ile Gerung Village, Tenawang Village, Watowara Village, Tuakepa Village, Lamika Village, Watotika Ile Village, Lewokluok Village, and Bama Village to reduce disaster risks in the area.
2. Coordination strengthening between 10 villages, disaster-related agencies, and government at the regency level on disaster risk management.

LET'S SUPPORT THEM

Support 249 families impacted by the Mount Lewotobi Eruption. Donate today and make a lasting impact on their struggle to recovery!