Mama Nelon: Holding On Amid the Ashes of Lewotobi

Konga Village, East Flores – Among the rows of temporary shelters for survivors of the Mount Lewotobi eruption lives an elderly woman whose spirit has not been extinguished by the volcanic ash. Her name is Mama Nelong P, known affectionately as Mama Nelon, a resident originally from Klatanlou Village.

She is now 80 years old and lives alone. Her only child has migrated far away to Kalimantan. Before the disaster, Mama Nelon relied on the kindness of neighbors for her daily meals. Now, in the limited conditions of displacement, she has become one of the beneficiaries of programs provided by Human Initiative and Dear Initiators.

“When the water arrives, we can cook, we can wash, we can drink… Thank you,” Mama Nelon said quietly, her words filled with gratitude.

Clean Water for Eruption Survivors

On June 25, 2025, Human Initiative distributed 5,000 liters of clean water in Konga Village, where the temporary shelters are located, including the one where Mama Nelon now lives. Clean water is a critical need for the survivors of Lewotobi’s ashfall, especially for the elderly like Mama Nelon who are highly vulnerable to health and sanitation crises.

This distribution not only helped meet basic needs such as cooking and drinking, but also helped restore a sense of safety and dignity that had been lost in the midst of the emergency.

Resilience at an Advanced Age

Although her body is no longer as strong as it once was, Mama Nelon continues to endure. Life in displacement is far from easy; without close family, with unpredictable weather, and limited access to health services. Yet the support from volunteers and humanitarian partners helps lighten her days.

Mama Nelon’s story reflects the experiences of thousands of other survivors who may not have a voice but continue to hold on. As public attention begins to shift elsewhere, Human Initiative invites everyone to keep supporting the survivors of the Lewotobi eruption by visiting solusipeduli.org.