Island prepared for eruption victims

MANADO, North Sulawesi: The Sangihe Talaud administration in North Sulawesi has prepared Biaro Island to resettle 331 families who were displaced after the recent eruption of Mount Ruang.

Sangihe Talaud Regent J. Th. Makaminan said on Thursday he had asked the central government to provide Rp 35 billion (US$3.8 million) to develop simple houses, schools, places of worship and other facilities on the islet.

Mount Ruang erupted on Sept. 24, splitting apart Ruang Island and forcing residents to flee their homes to nearby Tagulandang Island.

The IDPs are temporarily staying in shelters in the villages of Buhias and Bohoi.

"The IDPs can't go back to Ruang Island, which has been declared unsafe to live on. For their safety and security, we have planned to relocate them to Biaro Island," Makaminan said. --Antara.