Indonesian Red Cross Distributes Hygiene Kits to NTT Earthquake Victims

The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) headquarters has received a donation of hygiene kits for distribution to communities affected by the earthquake in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The aid will be channelled through PMI Kupang in response to the 7.7-magnitude tectonic earthquake that struck the region on Saturday (15/8).

According to provisional data from PMI headquarters, as of 3.00 pm WIB on 16 August 2026, 995 aftershocks had been recorded, 46 of which were felt by residents.

The disaster has resulted in 54 deaths, 115 people seriously injured, and 168 people with minor injuries. A total of 184 households have been affected, with 16,376 people currently sheltering in evacuation centres.

The aid handover was conducted symbolically on Monday (17/8) as a show of support for communities during the emergency response and post-disaster recovery period. The assistance, provided by the TBS Foundation, consists of 200 hygiene kits with a total value of Rp50 million.

The standard PMI hygiene kits contain basic sanitation necessities, including bath soap, laundry soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, sanitary pads, and towels. The aid is expected to help maintain the health and hygiene of residents at evacuation sites during the emergency period.

The handover of aid from the TBS Foundation was received directly by PMI headquarters representatives, including Suwandi Wiratno (Head of Resource Development), Hasiando P. R. (Head of the Resource Development Bureau), Herry Firmansyah (Head of Corporate Fundraising), and Ilham Huznul (Head of the Facilities and Infrastructure Bureau).

TBS Foundation Chair Juli Oktarina stated that this humanitarian support is part of the foundation’s commitment to delivering tangible benefits to the community. She expressed hope that the aid would ease the burden of earthquake survivors in Flores and other parts of NTT who are facing a difficult post-disaster period.