Baznas RI dispatches team to assist earthquake response in NTT

The National Amil Zakat Agency (Baznas) RI has dispatched its Baznas Disaster Response Team (BTB) to assist with evacuation and handling of earthquake victims in Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

Baznas RI Chairman Sodik Mudjahid said in a statement in Jakarta on Monday that the BTB team is focused on search and rescue efforts for residents believed to still be trapped in several buildings after the earthquake struck NTT.

“After coordinating with various parties, the current priority is to search for residents who are still buried under rubble, and it is suspected that there are still people trapped in several buildings,” he said.

Baznas RI is also continuing to coordinate with provincial and district/city Baznas offices as well as various stakeholders to obtain the latest information on the earthquake’s impact and the urgent needs of survivors.

“On Sunday (16/8), the BTB team from Jakarta was dispatched to join the regional BTB team and other task force units. In addition to assisting with the evacuation process, the BTB team will also set up refugee tents, communal kitchens, and distribute relief supplies such as tarpaulins, sleeping mats, and hygiene kits,” he said.

He explained that Baznas disaster response will be carried out in stages, adjusting to developments on the ground.

“Baznas is deeply saddened by the earthquake disaster that has struck our brothers and sisters in NTT. We pray that the affected communities are given strength through this difficult time. Baznas is committed to continuing to stand with the people of NTT through this disaster until they can recover,” he said.

Sodik confirmed that the BTB team, together with the Baznas network and stakeholders, will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that aid and emergency services reach those in need.

He also affirmed Baznas’ readiness to send further assistance in line with developments and the needs of affected communities on the ground.

“Although signal conditions are still unstable, further coordination will continue to be carried out to map the needs required so that there is no overlap,” he said.