Hundreds sick after volcano erupts

Hundreds sick after volcano erupts

HOKENG JAYA, East Nusa Tenggara: At least 565 villagers living
on the slopes of Mount Lewotobi in Wulanggitang subdistrict, East
Flores regency, East Nusa Tenggara, have experienced respiratory
problems and skin diseases following an Aug. 31 eruption of the
volcano.

Marta Lolang, a nurse at the Hokeng Jaya clinic, said on
Thursday she believed that diseases linked to the volcano had
affected more than the 565 villagers.

She said many villages on the slopes of the volcano had been
affected by sulfur and volcanic dust when it erupted on Aug. 31.

"We will tour the villages to provide free treatment as those
affected cannot afford to travel to health clinics," she added.
--JP