"We must continue to support them during the transition period because there are many displaced people," said Director of Social Protection of Natural Disasters Victims at the Ministry of Social Affairs Margo Wiyono on Monday.
Currently, the number of evacuees in 12 evacuation camps stands at 4,349. Those who remain displaced are people who used to live within three kilometer radius of Mount Sinabung.
Margo said assistance provided by the ministry is in the form of meals and basic needs as well as two soup kitchens.
"We are still supporting them even though the emergency phase is over because people require assistance with regard to their meals," added Margo.
According to the Volcanic and Geological Disaster Mitigation Centre (PVMBG), Mount Sinabung`s volcanic seismic activity has decreased in the last four days, with only 20 times recorded per day.
Volcanic ash is occasionally spewed during small eruptions. Therefore, the PVMBG has set a radius of three kilometers, particularly in the disaster prone area, where no community activities should be conducted.
Villagers in Simacem, Bekerah, Sigarang-garang, Kutagunggung, and Sukameriah are required to evacuate their homes. Evacuees who live outside of the three kilometer radius are permitted to return home.
EDITED BY INE
(A050/KR-BSR/H-YH)
Reporter: Desi Purnamawati
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
