More Than 4,000 People Affected, WVI Arranges Local Response on Ili Lewotolok Volcano Eruption

The Ili Lewotolok volcano in Lembata Regency, East Nusa Tenggara has erupted since November 29, 2020. According to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), 4,628 people are evacuated in seven evacuation points on November 30, 2020. There is no casualty and registered children affected due to the eruption. However, according to the latest information from BNPB, the affected community needs support particularly in form of medical masks, hygiene kits, and psychosocial support. 

To response the situation, WVI will work with local partners including the government for conducting emergency response activities. WVI will conduct a rapid assessment with ISP (Intermediary Service Provider), Karitas, and Disaster Risk Reduction forum through Joint Need Assessment.  

WVI will do the assessment, prepare the contingency plan for multiple disaster scenarios, distribute masks and handwashing stations, and support the child protection/psychosocial support.

“Considering the needs of the affected community and children, WVI plans to distribute medical masks and hand-washing with soap kit. We also plan to provide psychosocial support for the affected children. The zonal response will run for one month starting from November 30 to December 31, 2020,” said Irene Marbun, Operations Director of WVI.

The pandemic situation is also another issue for disaster mitigation, as Lembata Regency also has 27 cases of COVID-19. Regarding to the COVID-19, the response will be conducted by prioritizing the safety of staff. Lembata Regency is in red zone according to the data of East Nusa Tenggara COVID-19 Mitigation and National Economic Recovery Committee per November 30, 2020.

WVI has 11 APs in the East Nusa Tenggara area and 4 grant projects. One of the grant-funded projects, Moringa, operated in Lembata area. The nearest APs is in Sikka Regency which is 242 Km away from Lembata Regency. In 2016, WVI has ended the program in East Flores that located near the Lembata Regency.

DONATE FOR LEMBATA PEOPLE: HERE 

Written by: Putri ianne Barus, Communications Officer Wahana Visi Indonesia
Photo by: Valens Ola, Partner of Wahana Visi Indonesia