BNPB Chief Leads Emergency Response to Earthquake in Central Sulawesi

Jakarta - The Head of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), Suharyanto, has travelled to the area affected by a tectonic earthquake of magnitude 6.7 in Central Sulawesi Province to ensure all stages of the emergency response are carried out effectively and on target. Abdul Muhari, Head of the BNPB Data, Information and Disaster Communication Centre, stated in Jakarta on Friday that the BNPB chief’s presence was accompanied by the distribution of humanitarian aid packages for survivors. “The Head of BNPB is already in the affected area to ensure the emergency response runs effectively. The assistance provided includes food and non-food items such as refugee tents, family tents, mattresses, blankets, folding beds, and basic food packages,” he said. Abdul explained that based on updated disaster data as of Thursday afternoon at 16:25 WIB, the death toll remains at three. Meanwhile, the number of injured victims due to collapsing building materials has increased, with 17 people reported to have suffered serious injuries and 101 residents sustaining minor injuries. The geological disaster, which was centred on land on Wednesday, struck Palu City, Sigi Regency, Parigi Moutong Regency, and Donggala Regency, causing significant material losses. In the housing sector, 1,995 homes suffered minor damage, 147 homes moderate damage, and 73 homes severe damage, in addition to massive damage to public facilities, schools, offices, and places of worship. BNPB guarantees the central government’s full support for repairing residents’ homes damaged by the earthquake’s tremors. The stimulus assistance scheme prepared includes Rp15 million for minor damage, Rp30 million for moderate damage, and Rp60 million for severe damage or the construction of a new house. “This scheme for replacing or repairing damaged houses is always in place for every disaster event. And we also provide Housing Waiting Funds (DTH) according to field needs,” said Abdul Muhari.