BNPB Sends Starlink and Medicines to Earthquake Victims on Sukun Island
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) has again distributed aid to communities affected by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake on Sukun Island, Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The aid was sent through the BNPB National Assistance Post (Pospenas) in Maumere to ensure the needs of communities in the island region with limited access are met. This distribution also strengthens communication support and health services for affected residents.
Acting Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Centre, Berton SP Panjaitan, said on Monday (24/8) that the handling of affected communities continues to be carried out taking into account the geographical conditions of the island region. According to him, BNPB’s efforts to reach Sukun Island are intended to ensure that communities in areas with limited access are not overlooked in emergency response. Previously, aid had also been sent by sea using a fast boat on Friday (21/8).
On Sunday (23/8), aid was again sent using a Ministry of Transportation helicopter and landed at the field in Samporong Village, Alok District. The delivery was led by BNPB Director of Emergency Response Region III Nelwan Harahap. Around 300 families affected by the earthquake are in the area. The aid sent this time includes Starlink satellite-based internet devices, medical packages, and medicines.
Starlink devices are needed due to limited communication networks on Sukun Island. Before the satellite network support, residents had to go to higher locations to get a signal in order to communicate with family and parties outside the island. With the availability of internet access, community communication is expected to become easier and more stable. The network can also support coordination between village government, health workers, the community, and emergency response elements in conveying information and mapping residents’ needs.
In addition to communication devices, BNPB brought medicines to support health services for affected communities. “Today is the second time we have come to ensure that the community is well handled and not lacking,” explained Nelwan. Nelwan also said that some of the medicines brought were entrusted by the Sikka Regency Health Office to be distributed to communities in the affected area. “We also brought medicines entrusted by the Sikka Regency Health Office to be delivered in this affected area,” said Nelwan.
Previously, BNPB together with the regional government had distributed various aid to Sukun Island, including rice, basic food packages, cooking oil, mineral water, blankets, eggs, baby diapers, tarpaulins, instant noodles, soap, toothpaste, mats, health supplements, medicines, and other supporting needs. Berton said the distribution of aid to island regions is carried out in stages by adjusting conditions and access in the field. Sea and air routes are used to accelerate the delivery of aid to areas that are difficult to reach by land.
The distribution of aid to Sukun Island is part of BNPB’s efforts to ensure that communities affected by the earthquake in island regions continue to receive basic needs, communication access, and health services during the emergency response period. BNPB together with the regional government, BPBD, TNI, Polri, health workers, and other related elements continue to monitor and coordinate to ensure that the needs of communities in affected areas can be handled appropriately.