NTT, RAKYAT NEWS — The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has confirmed that a total of 442 temporary shelters are currently being constructed to house approximately 2,000 families displaced by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara.

These shelters are intended to provide more durable and comfortable living conditions for evacuees.

Suharyanto, the head of BNPB, shared this information in a press release on Monday. He emphasized that each temporary shelter is designed to accommodate five families. The construction is expected to be completed within two months to provide immediate relief to those affected by the volcanic eruption.

The temporary shelters are seen as a more viable solution than the emergency tents that evacuees have been using for the past three weeks. While the tents are equipped with necessary facilities, the shelters will offer better protection and comfort for the families as they continue to recover from the disaster.

The government is making plans to provide permanent housing for the affected families. However, the temporary shelters will serve as an interim solution until those plans are fully realized. The authorities are working diligently to prepare land and infrastructure for the construction of permanent homes.

Suharyanto also clarified that the relocation to these temporary shelters will not be mandatory. The government is offering flexibility to evacuees, and those who choose not to live in the temporary shelters will be given a monthly allowance of IDR 500,000 to support their daily needs while they remain in alternative accommodations.

For those who opt for relocation, the government is offering two relocation options: a self-reliant relocation scheme or a centralized relocation program. In both cases, the government will provide the necessary land and manage the construction of the new homes to ensure that the families have a secure and stable place to live.

The construction of these temporary shelters is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to assist the victims of the Lewotobi eruption and help them rebuild their lives. The authorities are committed to supporting the affected communities through this challenging time and ensuring that they have the resources they need to recover and thrive in the future.(Uki Ruknuddin)