Basarnas continues medical evacuation of seriously injured NTT earthquake victims
Basarnas has continued the medical evacuation of two earthquake victims suffering serious injuries who require immediate medical treatment in East Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), using a helicopter.
Basarnas Deputy for Operations and Readiness, Edy Prakoso, said in a statement confirmed from Jakarta on Friday that a Basarnas Dauphin AS 365 N3+ helicopter successfully landed this morning to pick up the victims in Ronting Village, Satar Kampas Village, North Lamba Leda District, East Manggarai.
“They are two elderly people who suffered serious injuries based on the initial examination by the Ministry of Health medical team serving at the location,” he said.
Basarnas confirmed the first victim is an 81-year-old man suspected of suffering a spinal injury, while the second victim is a 71-year-old woman with a suspected basal skull fracture.
The two victims were previously evacuated from a shelter to the nearest integrated post from their village area on Thursday (20/8) by personnel from the Maumere SAR Office and other SAR elements.
However, due to technical obstacles in the field and considering collective safety, the evacuation process for the two victims from Lamba Leda to Labuan Bajo, which is only possible using a helicopter, could only be continued today.
“The two survivors will be flown to Komodo Airport and immediately referred to Pratama Komodo Regional Hospital, Labuan Bajo, to receive intensive medical treatment,” said Edy, who is directly leading the medical evacuation from East Manggarai.
In addition, he also confirmed that all Basarnas personnel will remain on standby in NTT to provide the assistance needed by the community, including the distribution of aid in the form of basic necessities and shelter equipment to affected areas.
“We are ready to carry out search, rescue, and humanitarian service efforts through land and air routes to ensure all affected communities receive assistance quickly, precisely, and optimally,” said Edy.