"The evacuees now need face masks to safeguard against the COVID-19 pandemic, as they did not wear face masks while fleeing. They only have clothes that they have been wearing (since they fled), while in fact, Lembata is in the red zone (of COVID-19 transmission)," Lembata Deputy District Head Thomas Ola Langoday told reporters in Lewoleba on Wednesday.
The local district government has yet to know whether any of the thousands of refugees have been exposed to COVID-19, he noted.
The Lembata government is not keen to see a new COVID-19 cluster in the area, he stated.
The district has currently recorded 27 confirmed cases, he remarked.
Moreover, clean water and washing and toilet facilities (MCK) are direly needed in the wake of shortages at emergency shelters, he remarked.
Related news: Hundreds evacuate as Mt Lewotolok activity rises
In addition, mattress or mats are a necessity for resting and sleep, especially for children under five, at refugee camps.
"Based on our observation yesterday, several tents use tarpaulin to cover the ground, while there are many children aged under five at the evacuation site," he remarked.
Rofina Beny, a housewife seeking refuge in the yard of a local library office, remarked that the refugees did not have access to soap, blankets, or sleeping mats.
"We are facing difficulties here, as there are no soaps, blankets, and bedding for sleeping. We feel sorry for our small children," she remarked.
Beny fled with her husband and four children during the eruption of Mount Ili Lewotolok. The volcanic eruption released volcanic material reaching as high as four thousand meters.(INE)
Related news: Mt Lewotolok eruption showered ash, gravels on Lembata District
Translator: Kornelis Kaha, Fardah
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Copyright © ANTARA 2020
