EAST FLORES, EAST NUSA TENGGARA -— Since the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki on November 3, 2024, the communities of Wulanggitang, Ile Bura, and Titehena subdistricts in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), have experienced a complete reversal of their lives.
The eruption resulted in fatalities and injuries, as well as the complete destruction of homes and infrastructure. Eruptive material devastated everything in its path. Ali, a local official and disaster volunteer, reported that the eruptive material formed a crater five meters deep into the ground.
“The damage is so severe because Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki is known for erupting lava bombs. These are large rocks that shoot into the air and explode upon impact with the ground. The deafening roar caused tools to fly through the air, doors and windows to burst open, and nearly rip off their hinges. Many buildings were damaged, including homes, schools, and markets. All community activities have been disrupted,” explained Ali.
Thousands of residents were displaced. At that time, Dompet Dhuafa, together with the Disaster Management Center (DMC) of Dompet Dhuafa, established an evacuation center. The center included a kitchen, a school, a prayer room, and other humanitarian aid as part of efforts to restore facilities damaged by the eruption.
On Wednesday (May 14, 2025), the Dompet Dhuafa Animal Distribution Team (THK) along with Dompet Dhuafa volunteers, including Miya Sriniwarti, had the opportunity to conduct a survey at the distribution points for recipients of sacrificial meat ahead of Eid al-Adha, including villages affected by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki.
As of now, the refugee camp in the rice fields located in Konga Village, Titehena District, is still crowded with residents. This area serves as the livelihood source for the community.
Muhidal Bukhori, a Community Empowerment Officer from the Corps Dai Dompet Dhuafa (Cordofa), shared that some residents have lost their jobs due to the destruction of their fields, markets, and local livestock farms. Currently, children are forced to study in the remaining school buildings. Everything is severely limited, with long-term impacts on the local economy.
Some chose to return to their villages after months of living in refugee camps. One of them was Sri, a housewife who decided to return to her home in Boru Village, Wulanggitang District. She cried hysterically when she saw her house last January.
“The roof was open, the zinc sheets were gone. The house was filled with wet volcanic ash because it was the rainy season. Many tools were damaged and lost. The bedroom was destroyed. My three-year-old child had to survive in such conditions,” she explained with tears in her eyes.
Sri’s husband also stopped working for three months after the eruption. During that time, her small family survived on food and logistical assistance from disaster relief agencies. When we surveyed Boru Village, her house still had no roof. Only tarpaulins covered the rooms and kitchen.
“The living room is destroyed, and there is no roof. So when it rains, water comes in. The important thing is that the rooms and kitchen are covered with tarpaulins,” explained Sri.
Volunteer Miya also expressed her condolences for the incident. She didn’t expect the long-term economic and social impacts to still be felt by the local residents to this day. She listened to Sri’s story with teary eyes.
“So, the distribution points for Dompet Dhuafa’s 2025 THK program will target the Flores mainland. One of them is the villages affected by the Lewotobi Laki-laki eruption.
I admire the resilience of Mrs. Sri and her family. Let’s spread the spirit of sacrifice. So that Mrs. Sri and other displaced people can enjoy sacrificial meat ahead of Eid al-Adha. Your sacrifice makes a difference!” said Miya.
Upon hearing the good news about the distribution of THK Dompet Dhuafa, Sri was also overjoyed. This is because she and her family have long had to limit their daily consumption due to economic constraints.
“Yes, I rarely eat meat, you know, because of the economic situation. I’m still grateful to be alive until this moment. Last year, I received sacrificial meat, and indeed, we rely on it only during Eid al-Adha,” she said.
Current Situation in the Gunung Lewotobi Area
Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted again on Monday (May 19, 2025). Ash from the crater reached 1,200 meters above the summit. The status has been upgraded to Level IV or “alert.”
On Friday (May 23, 2025), Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted again, with volcanic ash reaching 300 meters above the summit. Residents and visitors are advised to avoid any activities within a six-to-seven-kilometer radius of the eruption center of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki.
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This incident serves as a reminder that we must strengthen the bonds of solidarity. Through the distribution of sacrificial meat via THK Dompet Dhuafa, you can contribute to spreading a ray of hope for survivors to continue consuming nutritious food.
It’s easy to participate—you can make your sacrifice through digital.dompetdhuafa.org/kurban or the Dompet Dhuafa Apps. Let’s help them by providing quality sacrificial meat and ensuring its distribution in accordance with Islamic law ahead of Eid al-Adha. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Hany Fatihah Ahmad and DMC
Editor: Dhika