Island Residents Evacuated

KOMPAS/RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO

Victims of the Sunda Strait tsunami disaster take refuge in the Futsal field, Labuhan district, Pandeglang, Banten, Wednesday (26/12/2018). Entering the fifth day after the tsunami disaster, the victim health is given the top priority of attention.

KALIANDA, KOMPAS — At least 1,500 residents on Sebesi Island in South Lampung regency, have been evacuated to Kalianda. In Cilegon and Serang in Banten province, volcanic ash from the Anak Krakatau volcano has begun to fall.

The government on Wednesday has evacuated at least 1,500 residents from Sebesi Island of Rajabasa district in South Lampung regency, Lampung province, to the nearby town of Kalianda.

The residents on the remote island were evacuated, as they were found to be suffering trauma from the tsunami. Sarimah, 50, a resident of Regahan Lada village on Sebesi Island, said that heavy rains and lightning occurred over the island four days ago. The frightening sounds of Anak Krakatau’s volcanic activities prompted the residents to seek refuge in the hills.

"We were frightened at hearing the thunder and roar of Anak Krakatau," Sarimah said on Wednesday at the refugee camp, which was set up at a tennis court in Kalianda. Before she was evacuated, Sarimah and other residents fled into the hills, where they worked together to pitch makeshift tents.

On Wednesday night, volcanic ash from the erupting Anak Krakatau began to fall over the cities of Cilegon and Serang in Banten. The head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency’s (BNPB) data and public relations center, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, said that volcanic ash from Anak Krakatau fell around Cilegon and parts of Serang because of strong winds from the southwest.

Using ships

South Lampung BNPB head Ketut Sukerta said that at least four passenger ferries, including the KM Jembio, the KM Trisula, the KM Sabuk Nusantara and the KM Jatra III, were sent out to evacuate the Sebesi Island residents. "About 1,500 residents have been evacuated by Wednesday," said Ketut.

About 1,000 other residents have decided to remain on the island to protect their homes and farms. The government continues to ready ships for evacuating any remaining residents on the island.

The permanent relocation of coastal settlements is an alternative solution, given the threat of another tsunami.

Marlina, 40, a resident of Kunjir village in South Lampung, has decided to remain in a hillside hut, even though strong winds and rain have continued since the tsunami of Saturday evening. She has insisted on staying on the hill with her husband and three children, fearing another tsunami.

Difficult to reach

Humanitarian aid continues to arrive for tsunami victims in South Lampung regency. Even so, the government says that they are facing difficulties in reaching those residents who have taken refuge in the highlands and at the foot of Mt. Rajabasa.

South Lampung BNPB logistics coordinator Dulkahar said the aid was distributed to communal kitchens in tsunami-affected villages. Village and district officials are involved in the aid distribution, so the aid reaches the targeted recipients.

In Pandeglang, Banten, coastal residents along the Sunda Strait were asked to remain vigilant, as another tsunami could occur. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) is seeking cooperation with related institutions to accelerate the gathering of data for calculating the extent of the risk.

"There is a liability for a subsequent tsunami to occur," BMKG head Dwikorita Karnawat said on Wednesday in Pandeglang.

It was believed that the tsunami that occurred on Saturday was caused by an undersea avalanche along the slopes of the Anak Krakatau volcano. A number of other factors could trigger another tsunami, including the continuing eruption of Anak Krakatau, which has erupted hundreds of times. Extreme rainfall and high waves also contribute to the potential.

"Therefore, we appeal to the regional government and the public to [refrain from activity] within [the area] 500 meters to one kilometer from the coast," said Dwikorita.

The public has responded to the BMKG\'s appeal in a variety of ways. Ridho, 43, has decided to remain at his home in Panimbangjaya, Panimbang district. He has not abandoned his house, as he believed the sea was safe. He also claimed that he had not heard the BMKG’s call for coastal residents to maintain safe distance from the sea.

Heavy rain and strong winds are also forecast in a several regions across the country towards the end of the year.

People who intended to celebrate the New Year on beaches were encouraged to watch for high waves, BMKG weather forecast head Agie Wandala Putra said on Wednesday in Jakarta. (VIO/IGA/SPW/ILO/NIA/BAY/MTK/E10/E17/E01)