Kodim deploys 250 personnel to assist earthquake response in Sigi

Sigi, Central Sulawesi (ANTARA) - The Palu Military District Command (Kodim 1306) has deployed 250 personnel to assist in the emergency response to the earthquake disaster in Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi. “Our personnel entered the disaster location on Tuesday night (16/6) to help residents in the emergency situation,” said Kodim 1306/Kota Palu Commander Colonel Inf Yudhi Hendro Prasetyo in Kamarora, Sigi, on Wednesday. He stated that on the second day after the quake, the military is focusing on clearing debris from buildings damaged by the tremor, including public facilities and homes in Kamarora village, Nokilalaki District. Kamarora village is the worst-affected area after a shallow magnitude 6.7 earthquake at a depth of 10 kilometres shook Sigi. As other areas may also require assistance, the command has divided its personnel’s tasks. He explained that debris clearance is currently being carried out manually, as heavy equipment has not yet reached the disaster site. During the emergency response, personnel must also prioritise safety. “Safety remains the priority. There are a number of buildings that require heavy equipment for handling, and we cannot do that because it poses a risk to personnel safety,” Yudhi said. According to him, in addition to helping clear building debris, his team is also assisting residents in erecting emergency tents for temporary shelter. Preliminary data released by the Sigi Regency government indicates that 5,300 people, or 1,300 families, have been affected, with 1,300 houses damaged.