BNPB: Ngada Fishermen Resume Activities Following M7.7 Flores Earthquake
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has stated that it is continuing to assist in the recovery of livelihoods in Ngada Regency following the M7.7 earthquake that struck the Flores region on Saturday (15/8), enabling residents to resume activities such as fishing.
In a statement in Jakarta on Wednesday, the Director of Logistics and Equipment Management at BNPB, Bambang Surya Putra, who is stationed in the Ngada Regency area, inspected the coastal region of Riung District, Ngada Regency. During the visit, Bambang engaged in dialogue with the community and fishermen whose activities were disrupted following the earthquake and the subsequent tsunami warning.
“The tsunami early warning resulting from the earthquake on Saturday (1s/8) has been declared over by BMKG. Therefore, the community, including fishermen, can gradually resume their activities. However, vigilance must be maintained, and official information from BMKG and the local government must continue to be followed,” said Bambang.
Recovery is being carried out in stages by encouraging the community to resume social and economic activities, while simultaneously strengthening support from the local government alongside religious and community leaders.
According to Bambang, the return of community activities is a vital part of the post-disaster management process. The public needs certain information to gradually return to their daily lives without neglecting safety aspects.
“We do not want the community to continue living in fear. What we need to build is preparedness. Community life and economic activities must begin to function again, while still adhering to official information,” he said.
In the same statement, BNPB Steering Committee Member Isroil Samihardjo, alongside the Vice Regent of Ngada, Bernadinus Dhey Ngebu, met with religious leaders at the Holy Spirit Nazareth Family Station, Nangamese Ward, Riung District.
They were received by Vicar General of the Bajawa Diocese, RD Gabriel Idrus, Pr., Parish Priest of Bekek, RD Wempi Da Silva, Pr., and other priests.
The meeting was held to establish communication and gather input from religious leaders regarding the condition of the community and the post-earthquake recovery process, particularly in the Riung District area.
During the meeting, Isroil requested the support of religious leaders to ensure the community recovery process proceeds smoothly.
He noted that religious leaders hold an important position in the recovery process, as they maintain close relationships with the community and understand the conditions of residents within their respective service areas.
“Disaster management is not solely about rebuilding damaged houses. What we are restoring is the lives of the people. Therefore, the government needs to listen to the community and collaborate with leaders who are close to them,” he said.