inp.polri.go.id - East Timur. The East Nusa Tenggara Regional Police, Senior Superintendent Ariasandy informs that the emergency situations and the status of Lewotobi Mountain has gone up to Level IV, indicating a more concerning situation at the field.

According to the current data, this eruption has claimed nine lives, and injured dozens as many buildings were burned down. Residents from seven surrounding villages, namely Klatanlo, Dulipali, Nobo, Hokeng Jaya, Boru Kedang, Pululera, and Nawakote, were forced to evacuate to the border of Sikka Regency and Titehena District in Flotim Regency.

The eruption occurred while most residents were still asleep, making many unable to to save themselves. Ejections of fire rocks and volcanic material rained down on the area around the mountain for more than two hours.

As of Monday morning, joint officers were still continuing to evacuate victims who were buried under the rubble of buildings.

Senior Superintendent Ariasandy also said that rescue efforts are continuing to be carried out by the East Nusa Tenggara Sub-regional Police, military, and volunteers. Joint personnel are still operating in severely affected areas, including clearing road access and ensuring that evacuees receive the assistance they need.

Evacuation of victims is carried out with priority on safety, especially for residents who are seriously injured or hit by building debris.

"The evacuation process will continue to ensure that all residents are saved and moved to a safer location," explained Ariasandy on Monday (11/4/2024).

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