Volcanic ash begins to take toll on Egon resident

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.