Bengkulu (ANTARA News) - The Bengkulu provincial government is raising funds from state agencies and local people to help alleviate the financial burden of Mount Sinabung eruption victims in North Sumatra.

"Bengkulu will assist the victims as far as it can, particularly in fulfilling their basic necessaries, such as food, drink and clothes," Secretary of the Bengkulu Provincial Government Hamsyir Lair said here on Thursday.

The aid was a manifestation of the local people`s concern about the victims of Mount Sinabung eruption, he said.

He said the eruption of Mount Sinabung had caused panic among residents living on the slope of the volcano. Such panic had ever affected the people of Bengkulu when two powerful earthquakes rocked the province a few years ago, he said.

He said the provincial government had appointed a relevant agency to coordinate with the North Sumatra provincial government in extending the relief aid.

Mount Sinabung erupted for the first time in 400 years on Aug 29, forcing more than 25,000 people to flee their home to safer areas.

The 2,640-meter-high volcano erupted again the following day, spewing thick volcanic ash, and smoke causing a three-minute long earthquake.

Some of the evacuees had earlier returned home but were again evacuated when the volcano showed increased activity just an hour before it erupted for the third time.(*)

Editor: Aditia Maruli
COPYRIGHT © 2012

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