"The government is preparing an evacuation effort as the mount`s eruption continues."Kupang (ANTARA News) - Volcanic ashes are still covering Palue Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province, following another eruption of Mount Rokatenda on Monday, Deputy District Head of Sikka Damianus Wera said.
"Hot ashes still cover the area near Mount Rokatenda, including in several hamlets," said Wera in a phone interview with ANTARA News here on Tuesday.
According to him, the local residents hoped that rain would fall in the area to erase the volcanic dust.
Mount Rokatenda continued to erupt on Monday and spewing thick ashes that covered several villages located in the slope of the volcano.
Wera said the citizens, however, still inhabit their villages despite the thick ashes covering the area.
"The government is preparing an evacuation effort as the mount`s eruption continues. We have no idea when the eruption will stop after it started on February 2, 2013," Wera said.
Palue Sub-district Secretary Marten Adji said the ash burst was very bad that several villages were totally covered by thick layer of dust.
"The thick ashes covered two villages in the mountain`s slope such as Lidi and Kesokoja hamlets," said Adji.
He said the other two hamlets near the mountain`s slope are also affected by the volcanic ashes.
(Uu.B019/F001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
