BNPB: NTT earthquake refugees decrease by 6,094 people

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has reported that the number of earthquake refugees in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) has decreased by 6,094 people, bringing the current total to 179,037.

“In fact, more than 6,094 people have returned home. So some have gone home, some have arrived. But the net decrease is 6,094 people. They returned to their homes of their own accord. They were not forced,” said Berton SP Panjaitan, Acting Head of the BNPB Data, Information and Disaster Communication Centre, in Jakarta on Wednesday.

He noted that residents must ensure their homes are sturdy and that the current earthquake conditions are not like last week. He also expressed hope that future aftershocks would be below magnitude 3, so as not to significantly affect infrastructure and residents.

“Of course, BNPB is not simply sending them home. BNPB is also providing equipment and food so that when they return home, they can still enjoy what they enjoyed at the refugee shelters,” he said.

He mentioned that damaged houses are currently being surveyed, and this data will serve as the basis for decisions by regional heads on follow-up actions.

For minor damage, he said, a repair allowance of Rp15 million will be provided, while moderate damage will receive Rp30 million.

Regarding aftershocks, he noted that since the initial earthquake, there have been 7,492 aftershocks to date, with the largest magnitude being M6.2 and the smallest 1. A total of 143 of these were felt.

“These aftershocks are expected to continue for 3-4 weeks from the first earthquake we experienced. Hopefully, the aftershocks will become smaller, less perceptible, and residents will begin to feel calmer and no longer panic,” he said.

Berton stated that on 26 August, the national logistics support post at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport had received 127 tonnes of aid and distributed 121 tonnes of aid to NTT residents.

In total, the national logistics support post at Halim Perdanakusuma has dispatched 1,682 tonnes of logistics. This includes 1,112 tonnes received by Labuan Bajo and 570 tonnes by Maumere.