She made the remarks during a visit to an evacuation post set up in Bokang Wolomatang village, East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara.
"My presence here is a form of empathy and solidarity. Although far away in Jakarta, we feel what you are experiencing here," Fauzi said, according to an official statement issued on Saturday.
Upon reaching the post, the minister was warmly welcomed with a cheerful song performance by children and vulnerable groups participating in trauma healing activities. Despite the hot weather, the children's enthusiasm to take part in psychosocial activities remained high.
During her visit, Fauzi emphasized the importance of ensuring the health and well-being of children, women, and the elderly at the refugee posts.
"We are making sure that the children are in good health and condition. Likewise, for the women and the elderly, we want to make sure that everyone is in good and healthy condition," she said.
According to Fauzi, the collaboration and mutual assistance between parties, starting from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), National Armed Forces (TNI), National Police (Polri), ministries, agencies, and volunteers, were evident in the disaster response.
At the evacuation post, she distributed dignity kits to women, children, and the elderly affected by the eruption, which included specific items such as equipment for children aged 0–2 years, 5–7 years, and also pregnant and breastfeeding women.
"This kit was designed to meet the specific needs of disaster victims, especially children and the elderly, so they can feel more comfortable in emergency situations like this," she explained.
As of 8 p.m. WITA (GMT+8) on November 22, 2024, the number of refugees affected by the Mount Lewotobi eruption had reached 12,962.
Most of the refugees are currently staying at 6 evacuation posts, with their number pegged at 5,599. Meanwhile, 7,363 others have taken refuge in the homes of other residents or with their families.
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Translator: Kuntum Khaira Riswan
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
