Aid Rushed In After Deadly Volcanic Eruption In Indonesia

JAKARTA, Nov 5 (Bernama-dpa) -- Indonesian authorities on Tuesday were racing to deliver emergency aid to thousands affected by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi, which has claimed at least 10 lives and injured dozens more on Flores Island, reported German news agency (dpa).

The government has dispatched relief teams, medical supplies and essential goods to the hardest-hit areas, where rough terrain and ash have complicated access, according to the National Disaster Management Agency. 

Minister for Human Development and Culture, Pratikno, announced that disaster response officials, led by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), were working to overcome logistical challenges in reaching communities isolated in the eruption's aftermath.

"The head of BNPB is on-site, and the deputy minister of social affairs is close to arriving, though access remains limited by both sea and land," Pratikno said at a press briefing.

"We are establishing supply routes to deliver aid as swiftly as possible."

The government's relief mission has provided emergency food supplies, temporary shelters and hygiene kits, as well as medical care at field health posts, as the number of displaced residents swelled to over 2,400 across three evacuation centres, the BNPB said.

Emergency teams distributed 500 food packages, protein supplements, tarps, tents and blankets for evacuees, many of whom fled with little more than the clothes they were wearing, it said. 

Pratikno also urged local authorities to focus on the evacuation of residents from high-risk areas surrounding the volcano, stressing that "saving lives is our main priority".

With the volcano still posing a risk, officials warned residents to avoid a seven-kilometre danger zone around Mount Lewotobi and remain alert for potential volcanic mudflow, or lahar, in nearby rivers.

The government has also warned about respiratory risks from volcanic ash, advising the use of masks.

-- BERNAMA-dpa