East Java Provincial Government Sends BPBD Rapid Response Team to Assist NTT Earthquake Handling
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck the Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) region on Saturday morning (15/8) prompted a rapid response from various parties. The East Java Provincial Government demonstrated its concern by sending personnel assistance to the affected locations.
Through the East Java Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), a number of Rapid Response Team (TRC) personnel were dispatched on Sunday (16/8) morning. The advance team was officially released by the Head of East Java BPBD, Gatot Soebroto, accompanied by the Head of Emergency and Logistics, Satriyo Nurseno, in the courtyard of the East Java BPBD office on Saturday evening.
“As directed by the Governor, as East Java’s response to the earthquake that struck our brothers and sisters in NTT, we are dispatching seven people to the scene with search and rescue specialisations,” said Gatot Soebroto.
In addition to focusing on search and rescue, the team is tasked with coordinating with the local government and conducting an in-depth assessment of urgent logistical needs and assistance for the victims.
Recognising the potential for communication disruptions in disaster areas, the team has also been equipped with satellite communication equipment and independent network support. This is intended to ensure that the exchange of information between the field post and the command centre in East Java continues to run smoothly without technical obstacles.
Gatot added that his office has also established communication with members of Mitra Praja Utama (MPU), which consists of nine provinces, to strengthen synergy in handling the impact of the earthquake in NTT.
Based on data compiled from BMKG, this major earthquake has quite significant characteristics with hundreds of aftershocks.
To date, the East Java BPBD TRC Team continues to monitor developments on the ground and is prepared to provide further support based on the results of the needs assessment at the disaster site.