In Focus

Two major eruptions occurred on Thursday night, July 15, 2011 have caused significant increase on number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in North Tomohon Sub-district. The volcanic materials went up north of Tomohon District, away from the residential areas and have burnt down the forest near the volcano.

Mt. Lokon spewing lava and searing ashes burning surrounding forest and forcing 4455 people who live 3.5 km away from the volcano to flee.
(Credit: Jemmy/ Antara)

The materials caused no damages or casualties; however a total of 4455 people from Kinilow, Kinilow I, and Kakaskasen hamlet have been urged to evacuate to six different government appointed evacuation sites in Tomohon District. “After hearing several explotions, my family and I were hurried to leave the house. We were so afraid and not ready,” said Delce (43) who is staying at Junior High School I shelter with her three children and a husband. The IDPs are currently occupying the shelters at night and go back to their house during the day to collect food, water, drinking water and other supplies and to bath. Schools have been closed as the IDPs are occupying the school buildings and according to the local agency for disaster management (BPBD) will be opened once IDPs are moved to Social Office hall and town-park this weekend. Christian High School with 1302 IDPs is the most crowded shelter.

BNPB, the national agency for disaster management provides 20 sacks of mat, 5 sacks of blankets, 2 sacks of tarpaulin, 5 sacks of tents, and 5 sacks of tent poles. PMI also provides mats and blankets in each evacuation shelter. However, it is reported that not all IDPs have received these supplies.

Although there is indication that several IDPs are having upper respiratory tract infection, the affected communities are not urged to wear mask. In this regard, Health Crisis Center provides medical examination and treatments at each IDP locations. However, they lack of vitamins.

The Social Office has set up a public kitchen at each shelter to serve the IDPs food and nutritious needs, excluding the one at Christian High School 2, where Indonesian Red Cross has opened one public kitchen. “Food and drinking water will be sufficient for two weeks,” stated Agil Al Munawar, the Minister of Social Affairs.

Food and drinking water for IDPs has been stockpiled and distributed by BPBD supporting post at each location. The public kitchen provides porridge for children underfive, but it does not provide specific food for seniors.   

Each shelter has been equipped with water and sanitation facilities. However, with the large number of IDPs, the government should install more number of water and sanitation facilities. For water supply, water tanks of 2000 liters each are provided and supplied by PDAM, the state owned water company. Hygiene kit is an urgent need for the IDPs as the BPBD is currently focusing its stocks more on other basic needs such as food and drinking water.


The emergency phase has begun on July 11, 2011. “The status of Mt. Lakon will not be lowered until we finish evaluating its activity on July 17, 2011,” stated Dr. Surono, the head of Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation. Until then, the IDPs will still be staying at the shelters. Surono added “Mt. Lokon has unique characteristic as it’s affected by the activities of the other eight active volcanoes and another two undersea active volcanoes.”



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Contacts:

Dino Satria
Emergency Response Coordinator
Ph. +62 811 266330
Email: dinosatria@cwsindonesia.or.id

Ilmi Suminar
Communication Coordinator
Ph. +62 817 002 1284