The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in East Nusa Tenggara highlighted the vulnerability of communities to natural disasters. The eruption, which occurred on the night of November 4, prompted authorities to raise the volcano’s alert status to the highest level, displacing thousands of residents.
According to the Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center (MDMC), the eruption has forced 2,734 families (approximately 10,295 individuals) to evacuate their homes. Tragically, nine people lost their lives, and the extent of property damage is still being assessed.
Such disasters show the urgent need for effective disaster response and recovery efforts. When communities are ill-equipped to cope with crises like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, fires, or floods, they become entirely dependent on external aid.
Islamic teachings, particularly those related to disaster management, emphasize the importance of fulfilling the rights of those affected by calamities. Both those providing assistance and those receiving it have equal standing, as the ultimate goal is to help victims recover and rebuild their lives.
The initial response to a disaster, known as emergency response, involves a series of immediate actions to mitigate the impact of the event. This includes rescue and evacuation operations, providing shelter and protection for displaced persons, meeting basic needs, and restoring essential infrastructure. In the case of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, immediate response efforts are crucial to saving lives and ensuring the well-being of affected communities.
Islamic principles of disaster management dictate that aid must be provided equitably and responsibly. This means that assistance should be distributed fairly, measured, and empowering. Helping those affected by disasters is not merely an act of charity but a moral obligation rooted in Islamic teachings.
As the Quran states in Surah Al-Nahl, verse 90, “Indeed, Allah commands justice, grace, as well as generosity to close relatives. He forbids indecency, wickedness, and aggression. He instructs you so perhaps you will be mindful.”
Accordingly, people affected by the Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki eruption deserve immediate assistance to meet their basic needs and to rebuild their lives.
To contribute to the relief efforts, please donate to the following accounts:
- BSI: 9153 944 400
- Mandiri: 1230 009 008 999
- BCA: 8780 171 171
- Muamalat: 3250191211
All accounts are under the name of Lazismu Muhammadiyah. For confirmation, please send an SMS or WhatsApp to +62 856 1626 222, including the unique code “013” followed by the donation amount (e.g., IDR 50.013).
Reference:
Pimpinan Pusat Muhammadiyah. (2018). Fikih kebencanaan. Berita Resmi Muhammadiyah: Nomor 03/2015-2020/Rabiul Akhir 1439 H/Januari 2018 M. Gramasurya.
