Volcanic ash begins to take toll on Egon resident

Yemris Fointuna, Kupang

Skin irritations, respiratory diseases and other health problems are beginning to affect the more than 2,000 residents of four subdistricts near the rumbling Mount Egon, it was reported on Tuesday.

Diarrhea has also become a danger for residents of the Egon Nahar, Natakoli, Hale and Hebing subdistricts, as ash from the volcano has covered wells and vegetable plants.

The head of the Sikka Regency Health Office, Ignatius Henyo Kerong, said his office was busy treating the sick. He also said the office had dispatched an ambulance to serve as a mobile health post in the subdistricts.

"We have also prepared a huge number of masks for evacuees, in order to prevent them from breathing in the ash," Kerong said.

After erupting in February, the 1,701-meter-high Mount Egon again erupted on Saturday, belching out white smoke and hot ash. The eruption affected the four subdistricts and forced some residents to flee their homes.

Sikka Regent Alex Longginus said the volcano's activity was lessening in intensity and only several small eruptions were detected on Tuesday.

However, the regent warned residents to remain alert for the possibility of more eruptions, and called on people to stay away from the mountain.

Eruptions on Saturday and Sunday left parts of the four subdistricts in Waegete district, Sikka regency, covered in 10 centimeters to 15 centimeters of ash.