BNPB Chief Ensures Housing Support for NTT Earthquake Victims Is Met
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Suharyanto has assured that support for damaged homes and all needs of earthquake victims in Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) will be met.
Suharyanto travelled directly to meet survivors in Peozaka Ramba Village, Ende District, Ende Regency, NTT, on Wednesday, to see their condition up close and ensure their basic needs are met, while also providing reassurance so that victims remain calm and hopeful in facing the post-earthquake situation.
“Preparedness must still be improved, especially by not entering homes that have suffered damage before they are declared safe by the authorities. If a house is already damaged, do not force your way in. We never know when an aftershock will occur; the most important thing now is the safety of all of you,” he told the survivors.
He explained that, based on information from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the aftershocks that occur tend to be weaker than the main earthquake. Nevertheless, the public is urged to remain vigilant and follow all instructions from the government and officers in the field.
In addition to ensuring public safety, the government has also prepared concrete measures to help residents repair or regain safe housing.
BNPB will provide home repair support based on the level of damage, namely Rp15 million for lightly damaged homes and Rp30 million for moderately damaged homes. Meanwhile, for homes categorised as heavily damaged, the government will provide support for the construction of permanent housing.
“For lightly and moderately damaged homes, we will help repair them. If they are heavily damaged, the solution is permanent housing. The government is present so that the public is not left to face this situation alone,” said Suharyanto.
According to Suharyanto, this support is part of the government’s efforts to ensure that the public continues to have decent housing during the recovery process. Therefore, handling does not stop at the emergency response period, but must be followed by measurable recovery measures tailored to the needs of the community.
“The most important thing now is that the data must be correct. Which homes are lightly, moderately, and heavily damaged must be properly recorded. After verification and validation, we can immediately determine the assistance and begin the construction process,” he said.
In response to the situation, the Ende Regency Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) moved quickly by providing family tents as temporary shelter for affected residents. This support is an initial step to ensure that the public continues to have safe shelter during the emergency response period.
BNPB emphasised that the government will continue to assist affected communities, from meeting basic needs during the emergency period to the recovery process and rebuilding of residents’ homes.