Head of Public Relations of the East Nusa Tenggara Police, Senior Commissioner Ariasandy, told reporters here on Monday that the personnel comprised 25 people from the East Flores Police, 25 from the Mobile Brigade (Brimob), and 15 from the local police.
"In addition, other personnel are from the Indonesian Military (TNI), Disaster Preparedness Cadets (Tagana), and volunteers," he remarked.
Ariasandy said that the East Flores Police played an important role in handling and evacuating victims of the Lewotobi Laki-Laki Volcano eruption that occurred in Wulanggitang Sub-District, East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, on Sunday at midnight.
He also emphasized the need for the East Flores Police to be actively involved in evacuating affected residents and clearing road access in affected villages, including Hokeng Jaya Village in Wulanggitang District.
"During the evacuation process, the team is focusing on ensuring the safety of residents," he remarked.
Ariansandy affirmed that after the eruption on Sunday night, the status of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki was increased from Level III, or Alert, to Level IV, or Beware, which indicated an increasingly critical situation.
As a result of Mt. Lewotobi Laki-Laki's eruption, hot materials, including hot stones and volcanic ash, were ejected to a radius of six kilometers, causing damage and casualties.
So far, the local police reported that the eruption has claimed nine victims.
In addition, dozens of people suffered injuries due to being hit by eruption materials, and several buildings were burned.
"Residents from seven surrounding villages, namely Klatanlo, Dulipali, Nobo, Hokeng Jaya, Boru Kedang, Pululera, and Nawakote, were forced to evacuate to the border of Sikka Sub-district and Titehena Sub-district in East Flores District," he added.
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Translator: Kornelis K, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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