EAST FLORES (November 7, 2024) - Vice Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono distributed compensation to eight of nine heirs of Mount Lewotobi eruption victims in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on Wednesday, (6/11/2024).

Compensation was also given to injured victims as a form of government concern for families affected by the eruption.

“Here is a little help from the Ministry of Social Affairs for medical treatment, hopefully they will recover soon and be able to do their activities,” said Vice Minister of Social Affairs Agus when visiting the injured victims of the mount eruption at RSUD Dr. Hendrikus Fernandez, East Flores on Wednesday (6/11/2024) evening.

For the death, each heir receives compensation of Rp15 million per person. Meanwhile, the severely injured victims receive Rp5 million per person.

According to Acting Director of Social Protection and Security for Natural Disaster Victims (PSKBA) Masryani Mansyur, of the nine victims recorded as dead, the Ministry of Social Affairs team is still looking for one heir who has not been found on behalf of Yohanes Witin.

“The Ministry of Social Affairs team continues to try to find this heir so that assistance can be distributed immediately,” she said.

Vice Minister Agus handed over compensation of Rp90 million to the heirs of six dead victims who were one family. The compensation was received by Mrs. Agnes Sulajar.

The compensation was given to Kanisius Laga Lajar, Agustina Luo Luon, Andreas Baha Lajar, Paskalis Yohanes Goe Lajar, Theresia Toja, and Yohanes Baha Buto Lajar.

Mrs. Agnes said that the eruption happened suddenly at around 1 a.m. in the morning during heavy rain. At that time, she woke up in the middle of the night to make milk for her child. Not long after, a rumbling sound and a large flaming rock hit their house.

Agnes, who woke up in the middle of the night, managed to save herself and her children from the house. Her parents and four siblings who were still asleep were died.

Agnes' family home is located in Klatanlo Village, Wulanggitang Subdistrict, which is about 3.6 kilometers from the top of the mountain.

Meanwhile, at the evacuation site in Lewolaga Village, Vice Minister Agus dialogued with the evacuees and provided moral support to keep their spirits up while facing this disaster.

Vice Minister emphasized that the state will always be there to assist the community in any condition and invited all the survivors to strengthen each other.

On this occasion, Vice Minister also visited the injured victims treated at RSUD Dr. Hendrikus Fernandez East Flores.

Of the six victims who were treated, four victims are still undergoing treatment and each received compensation of Rp5 million.

One of the victims visited by Vice Minister Agus was Niklous Napamare (94), who was injured in the leg by hot stones. Niklous' daughter, Lusia Linumare, said that during the incident, the family tried to get out of the house, but Niklous' mother, Yosefena Walikedang, was killed by hot stones.

Vice Minister Agus strengthened the injured victims by praying and encouraging them.

Through Ministry of Social Affairs, the Government is committed to continue to assist and ensure that all the needs of survivors and the heirs of victims are properly fulfilled so that they can live their lives normally again.