Around 1,552 refugees are inhabitants of Sikka and the rest from Ende, Deputy District Head of Sikka Damianus Wera said here on Wednesday. They have taken refuge in Maumere, the capital of Sikka, and Maurole, Ende District.
Inhabitants of five villages on Palue Island, however, have refused to leave their villages despite the volcanic eruption.
Food and clean water have been distributed to the refugees as well as villagers who have decided to stay in their homes.
Mt Rokatenda erupted on Saturday evening and spewed ash into the sky at a height of between 3.000-4.000 meters above the sea level. The volcanic ash fell as mud rains into four districts on Flores Island, namely Maumere, Ende, Nagekeo and Ngada.
The emergency status of Mt Rokatenda eruption has been raised to alert status (level III) .
(F001)
Editor: Ella Syafputri
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