In his official statement received here on Thursday, head of the ministry's field team, Dimas Aditya Nugraha, noted that Communication and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid had instructed her ranks to help locals not only by recovering telecommunication networks but also by fulfilling their basic needs.
He said the ministry had delivered staple goods, including food, to evacuees currently taking shelter at a refugee camp in the villages of Konga, Lewolaga, and Eputobi.
He added that another batch of assistance will arrive today at three more evacuation sites operating in the villages of Bokang, Ile Gerong, and Kobasoma.
According to Nugraha, the ministry has prepared 600 aid packages for the six shelters. Each package contains rice; cooking oil; sugar; instant noodles; biscuits; food ingredients; milk for infants, pregnant women, and adults; clothing; menstrual pads; diapers; toys; and toiletries.
The official also reported that the Communication and Digital Affairs Ministry had erected communication and information posts in collaboration with the East Flores government and telecommunication operators.
According to data from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki's eruptions have displaced 12,673 residents as of November 19 at 8 p.m. local time. The refugees are taking shelter at six government evacuation posts and several independent sites.
The data also shows that the eruptions have claimed nine lives and severely injured one resident.
Moreover, the volcanic disasters have damaged thousands of buildings, including six houses of worship, nine offices, and 26 educational facilities.
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Translator: Adimas R, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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