IPAS Indonesia Foundation is concerned about the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki located in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. Two villages included in the TAKENUSA (Tekad Bersama untuk Perempuan Nusa Tenggara) program intervention, Nobo Village and Riang Baring Village located in Ile Bura District, were affected by the eruption.
Based on information gathered by the TAKENUSA team, residents located in Nobo have evacuated to the Konga post located in Titehena sub-district. Meanwhile, Riang Baring residents are still in the village with closed access and security.
“Information from the Health Office is that the eruption is still heard near the Konga post, usually at night. In addition, the Ile Bura health center is also affected in providing services,” said TAKENUSA District Officer Kusy Bansae.
He added that the local government has collaborated and also coordinated to handle this disaster. To help alleviate the impact of this disaster, IPAS Indonesia Foundation sent 150 dignity kits or individual kits. This package contains basic items needed to maintain hygiene, especially those related to reproductive health, when facing disasters. This package contains detergent powder, sanitary napkins, underwear, flashlights, toothpaste, toothbrushes, towels and combs.
“The packages will be distributed to midwives in Ile Bura who are affected, as well as women and adolescent girls,” she added.
A number of midwives have left their homes because they were damaged by the eruption. However, they still perform service duties at the evacuation post. “Therefore, the health center asked her to work at the Konga post as well as to take care of her family in the evacuation site,” Kusy added.
The individual kits were shipped from Kupang to Larantuka Airport, East Flores. After that, the aid will be delivered to the post through cooperation with TAKENUSA’s program partner, Yayasan Pengkajian dan Pengembangan Sosial (YPPS) East Flores.
“In this shipment, we were assisted by the Indonesian Air Force for the shipment from Kupang to Larantuka, and it was all free of charge. Currently, the dignity kits have arrived in Larantuka and are ready to be distributed to the post,” he said.
