The Mt. Rokatenda volcanic eruption on 10 August 2013 has created some 270+ persons in Maumere City. Given the situation of the IDPs of Oct 2012 eruption, these new IDPs are still making up their mind as to where to settle.
Regarding a "forward view" even for the Center for Volcanology and Mitigation of Geological Disasters it is difficult to predict when will be the next eruption/release from Mt. Rokatenda. The Chief of the Center, however, perceives that "the activity is high and dangerous and there is no sign that it will stop soon". The chronological history below is taletelling:
The Mt. Rokatenda 2012-2013 activity has been characterized by lava dome growth, incandescent avalanches, pyroclastic flows, ash plumes that rose as high as 4 km above the dome and ejected material deposited 3 kms away.
The first in this series of eruptions occurred on 13th October 2012. Then, the Center of Volcanology and Mitigation of Geological Disaster increased its alert level to level 3. The whole island was affected by ash fall with average of 2 cm thick ash in some areas.
On 2nd February 2013, the next eruption destroyed the south portion of lava dome. Pyroclastic flows were observed.
By 3rd May 2013, the lava dome generated ash plume that rose 500 meters and produced pyroclastic flow, about 2 kms, to the southern flank. BPBD reported approximately 2,800 IDPs scattered across their host families in Sikka and Maumere Districts. In addition to that, approximately 120 persons (40 families) are occupying the government shelter building in Sikka.
By 11 June, approximately 1,417 persons or 407 families are displaced in Ende District and 1,337 persons or 375 families in Sikka District.
The recent eruption on 10 August killed six persons and caused approximately 273 persons displaced in Maumere City, Sikka District. The government provides food and tents for the IDPs.
Considering the pattern of eruptions of Mt. Rokatenda since October 2012 to-date, it is certainly reconfirmed that this volcano is very active and has a potential to erupt in immediate future.
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