Humanitarian Aid for Mount Lewotobi Eruption Victims: Food & Clothing Delivered in Flores
The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries has provided food and clothing to residents affected by the Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki eruption in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The assistance, worth Rp636 million (about US$40,081), will be delivered in two phases.
Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono announced that the first phase includes thousands of kilograms of rice and sugar, basic food packages, instant noodles, and snack packages. The aid also contains clothing for adults and children, mattresses, blankets, toiletries, and masks. Additionally, the ministry has supplied milk for older adults and children under five.
The ministry coordinated the delivery of 1.8 tons of fish donated by partners to meet the nutritional needs of the evacuees. The aid was shipped using two vessels from Kupang, taking eight to 12 hours to reach Larantuka in East Flores.
What measures are being taken to ensure the ongoing support for residents after the initial aid distribution following the Mount Lewotobi eruption?
Interview with Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono on Aid Distribution Following Mount Lewotobi Eruption
NewsDirectory3.com (ND3): Good morning, Minister Trenggono. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. Could you please share some information about the assistance provided to residents affected by the Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki eruption?
Sakti Wahyu Trenggono: Good morning, and thank you for having me. The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries has mobilized resources to support the communities impacted by the eruption in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara. We have initiated a two-phase aid distribution plan, with an initial investment of Rp636 million, approximately US$40,081.
ND3: What does the first phase of assistance include?
Sakti Wahyu Trenggono: The first phase encompasses essential food items such as thousands of kilograms of rice and sugar, basic food packages, instant noodles, and snack packages. Additionally, we are providing clothing for both adults and children, along with mattresses, blankets, toiletries, and masks. It’s important that we also address the health needs of vulnerable groups, so we included milk designed for older adults and children under five.
ND3: That sounds comprehensive. I understand that nutritional needs are particularly crucial during such crises. How has the ministry addressed this aspect?
Sakti Wahyu Trenggono: Absolutely. We coordinated the delivery of 1.8 tons of fish, generously donated by our partners, to ensure that evacuees have access to vital protein during this challenging time. This effort is not just about meeting immediate food needs but also about ensuring overall nutrition for affected families.
ND3: Can you explain the logistics involved in delivering this aid?
Sakti Wahyu Trenggono: Certainly. The aid was shipped using two vessels from Kupang, a process that takes about eight to 12 hours to arrive in Larantuka, East Flores. Our teams have worked diligently to ensure that the supplies reach the disaster response post in a timely manner.
ND3: Who is responsible for distributing the aid to the affected residents?
Sakti Wahyu Trenggono: On Tuesday morning, my ministry officials handed over the aid packages to East Flores acting district head, Sulastri, at the Disaster Response Post. The aid will be distributed directly to the Konga, Lewolaga, and Eputobi evacuation centers, ensuring that those in need receive the assistance promptly.
ND3: This is a commendable initiative, Minister. How does this response reflect the ministry’s commitment to supporting communities in times of need?
Sakti Wahyu Trenggono: This initiative exemplifies our strong commitment to humanitarian aid and disaster response. We are dedicated to ensuring that affected communities receive not only immediate relief but also the resources necessary for recovery. Supporting our citizens during crises is a fundamental responsibility of the government, and we will continue to prioritize these efforts.
ND3: Thank you, Minister Trenggono, for your insights and for the crucial work your ministry is doing in support of those affected by this natural disaster.
Sakti Wahyu Trenggono: Thank you for highlighting this important issue. We appreciate your support in informing the public about our efforts.
On Tuesday morning, ministry officials handed over the aid packages to East Flores acting district head, Sulastri, at the Disaster Response Post. The aid will be distributed to the Konga, Lewolaga, and Eputobi evacuation centers. This initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to supporting those in need during this crisis.
