After Flores Earthquake, PLN Distributes Emergency Aid and Installs Lighting at Evacuation Posts
Kupang (ANTARA) – Moving quickly to support communities during the emergency response period following the M7.7 earthquake in the Flores Sea, PT PLN (Persero), through its Social and Environmental Responsibility programme PLN Peduli together with the Baitul Maal Foundation (YBM) PLN, has deployed volunteer teams to distribute thousands of emergency aid packages to a number of evacuation points on the island of Flores.
In addition to ensuring the acceleration of electricity network restoration, PLN volunteers were on the ground distributing logistical aid while setting up emergency facilities at several centres where residents have gathered. The assistance was distributed at the Samador Stadium Evacuation Post in Maumere, Sikka Regency; the West Flores Region Post in Mbay, Nagekeo Regency; as well as shelter posts in East Manggarai Regency and Ngada Regency.
General Manager of PLN’s East Nusa Tenggara Regional Main Unit, F. Eko Sulistyono, stressed that PLN’s emergency response is being carried out in tandem, combining technical electricity restoration with humanitarian assistance for affected communities.
“Alongside hundreds of technical personnel working tirelessly in the field to normalise the electricity system, PLN Peduli and YBM PLN volunteers have been deployed directly to the front line to ensure the basic needs of the community are met. We are here bringing the empathy and concern of all PLN personnel to ease the burden on our brothers and sisters affected by the disaster,” said Eko.
To ensure the comfort and safety of residents at evacuation sites, PLN prioritised the installation of emergency lighting installations and generators in the evacuation tents at Samador Stadium in Maumere. These facilities are an important part of supporting the operations of health posts and communal kitchens, as well as providing lighting to maintain the safety of children, the elderly, and other residents during the night.
The emergency aid distributed in stages includes:
- Emergency Lighting Facilities
Installation of cabling, lighting for posts, and operation of backup generators in the evacuation area of Samador Stadium, Maumere.
- Food and Logistics Packages
Hundreds of basic food packages consisting of rice, cooking oil, sugar, and other staple food items, as well as ready-to-eat meals distributed through YBM PLN for evacuees in Maumere, Mbay, East Manggarai, and Ngada.
- Health and Medical Packages
Supplies of essential medicines, multivitamins, antiseptic fluids, and first aid equipment to support the operation of emergency health posts.
- Special Packages for Toddlers and Children (Baby Kits)
Complementary feeding for breastfeeding, toddler biscuits, formula milk, and baby nappies to help meet the basic needs and nutritional intake of children while in evacuation.
- Hygiene and Sanitation Packages (Hygiene Kits)
Bathing supplies, towels, soap, and personal sanitation items to help maintain cleanliness and health in the evacuation environment.
Eko added that the distribution of aid is being carried out in coordination with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), local governments, social services, and security forces. This synergy is intended to ensure that aid can be distributed quickly, evenly, and on target according to the needs of the community at each location.
“We continue to strengthen our synergy with BPBD and all stakeholders. PLN is committed to remaining on standby throughout this emergency response period until the electricity conditions and daily activities of the people on Flores Island are fully restored. We are not only here bringing aid, but also ensuring that the community can resume their activities safely and comfortably,” concluded Eko.