Locals call for reconstruction assistance after volcano eruption in Indonesia

Locals living around the Kelud volcano in town of Kediri, East Java province affected by the recent eruption Sunday called on government to provide assistance to rebuild their houses that were severely damaged during the eruption. Besides that, they wanted regional government to resume distribution of clean water and electricity supply in the village of Satak, Puncu subdistrict, Kediri, located 12 km away from the volcano crater. Roofs of houses in the village were trembled down as rocks with diameters of 5-8 cm poured down fiercely, making those living underneath unprotected. "I can no longer stay here nor sleep here in the last three days. I asked government to provide assistance to rebuild my house and other houses in my neighborhood as we need to continue our lives here," 76 year-old man Mulyani told Xinhua in his damaged houses in the village on Sunday. His house was apparently damaged in several parts. The severest damage was the kitchen as its ceiling was collapsed due to the falling volcanic rocks that also damaged most of his kitchen utensils. Like most of his neighbors Mulyani came back to his house trying to clean up his house which was scattered with debris and volcanic stones. Mulyani and his neighbors were obligated to return to refugee camps set in the neighborhood as authorities have yet to revoke high alert status in Kelud volcano while strongly prohibiting people in a radius of 10 km to return to their houses. Authorities allowed locals to return to their houses in day time to make them better watch their belongings and clean up their houses. Gathering them at night in refugee camps was aimed at easing efforts in ensuring their safety by the authorities. Meanwhile in down town area, troops were engaged to sweep out volcanic sands that have been covering the streets since the eruption took place on Friday night. The move was intended to save people from possible mishaps in the street but also to prevent respiratory problems which may be caused by volcanic dust. "The sands that covered the streets were up to 15 cm thick. It' s very dangerous for those using the roads. We are told to clean it up entirely in the city," Captain Supriadi, commander of Kediri told Xinhua. The active Kelud volcano was recorded to have been erupted five times in modern history. The latest eruption took four lives and left more than 56,000 displaced. The authorities provided more than 80 refugee camps in several regencies affected by the eruption for the displaced ones.