Eruption of the volcano has started since 27 November 2020; however it is not until 29 November 2020, the big eruption occurs. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of the Republic of Indonesia on 29 November 2020, has observed increasing volcano activity in Ile Lewotolok Mountain. Consequently, responding to the situation, to the increase in activity, the initial status of Alert Level II ( Waspada) was raised to Alert Level III (Siaga). 

Since 30 November 2020, Lembata Regent, has formally assign the status of Emergency Response for Disaster due to volcano eruption through the decree number  TUK 360/2566/BPBD/LBT/XI/2020 

Due to this situation, communities in two sub-districts, namely Ile Ape and Ile Ape Timur, totaling 21,000 people, most of whom are in the red zone or are not safe are currently evacuating.

The current situation per 6 December 2020 as follows : 

1. At least 9.028 people evacuated and living in the evacuation camp established by the government. 

2. At least 2.712 people evacuate themselves and living in evacuation camp located around their village (independent camp in the safe area within their neighbouring village), and vulnerable groups consist of 546 with details: Elderly : 357 ; Infant (< 3 years old) : 152 ; Pregnant women : 15 ; Disability : 22

Almost all refugees are worried about their livestock that are still in their village. Every day, people go back and forth to feed livestock (pigs, goats, cows, horses, sheep and chickens) regardless possibilities of danger faced on the road. The situation happened because livestock is the main livelihood source or income of household in addition to garden crops. Livestock for the community is not only a household asset but also a customary asset. 

Current Needs on the Ground 

Priority Items:

• Rice and  Sorghum
• Pampers for Elderly, Disabilities, and Children
• Sanitary pad for Breastfeeding Mothers
• Sanitary Pad for women
• Milk and Porridge for Babies and Children
• Eggs for Breastfeeding Mothers, and Elderly
• Nuts
• Soothing oil (cajuput oil or ‘tawon’ oil)

IDEP Emergency Response Plan : FAMILY AID BUCKET 

Together with our Partner on the field, BARAKAT, IDEP will provide 100 families with vulnerable group in the camp with family aid bucket.  Family Aid Bucket contains goods for the whole family and will be enough for at least two weeks in the emergency response period.

Family Aid Bucket will be filled with: mask, tarp/mat, tent, blanket, baby’s needs (oil, soap, food, etc.), sanitary pad (women needs), lighting device, healthy foods for the family, family medicines, and media on disaster risk reduction for children. These needs may be modified following the most needed goods by the communities.

One family bucket that cost about US$ 100 will provide for family basic needs for at least two full weeks that will help them greatly to resume to the normal condition.

Join this solidarity movement by sharing this update with friends and family.