Eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki: Human Initiative’s Rapid Response to Support Affected Communities

The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on Sunday (November 3) has significantly impacted the lives of surrounding communities. The volcano, located on Flores Island, released volcanic ash that blanketed several villages, making access to these areas increasingly difficult. This situation prompted a swift response from Human Initiative (HI) to assist affected residents by addressing their urgent needs.

Human Initiative’s Emergency Response

Upon receiving news of the eruption, Human Initiative immediately coordinated with its field teams in NTT to gather the latest information from the affected areas. Simultaneously, the central team verified details from reliable sources to ensure accurate reporting of the situation. A combination of firsthand reports from the field and secondary data from official sources formed the basis for Human Initiative’s public disaster response plan.

“We strive to gather as much information as possible to provide the most needed assistance during the initial evacuation phase,” said Deni Kurniawan from Human Initiative’s Disaster Risk Management team.

Drinking Water Distribution and Establishment of a Water Kitchen

Clean drinking water emerged as a critical need for the affected communities. HI quickly deployed volunteers to the field, bringing drinking water supplies for distribution and establishing a “Water Kitchen” to provide access to clean water and warm beverages for local residents. So far, approximately 500 survivors have benefited from these efforts.

Collaboration with Local Authorities

Human Initiative continues to coordinate with the government, particularly in facilitating access to villages isolated by volcanic ash. Through this collaboration, HI aims to provide more comprehensive support to help the people of NTT cope with the eruption’s impact.

These efforts underscore Human Initiative’s commitment to being present in disaster situations and delivering swift aid to those in need.

“We will continue to strive to assist the survivors by collaborating with local volunteers and the government. We also ask for your support in praying for our brothers and sisters who are facing the challenges of the Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki eruption,” Deni added.

Join the Initiative

Dear Initiators, thank you for backing this rapid response to aid those affected by the disaster. If you wish to contribute to this initiative, please visit solusipeduli.org/indonesiapedulibencana.

Photo credit: Haris – Local HI Volunteer, NTT