Ministry of Social Affairs Distributes Aid Packages to 1,309 Victims of Flores Timur Earthquake

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Social Affairs has ensured that thousands of logistical aid packages and evacuation needs are being distributed on Monday to 1,309 victims of the earthquake in Flores Timur Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. Acting Director of Social Protection for Natural Disaster Victims at the Ministry of Social Affairs, Masryani Mansyur, reported in Jakarta on Monday evening that the aid being distributed includes 600 packages of ready-to-eat meals; 400 packages of baby food; 500 packages of ready-to-eat side dishes; 100 mattresses and 100 blankets each; 104 packages of children’s items; and 100 family kits. Requirements for children’s clothing total 94 packages, adult clothing 100 packages, along with evacuation equipment consisting of 100 roll-up tents and two multi-purpose tents. “We were immediately instructed by the Minister to quickly distribute the Ministry of Social Affairs’ aid for handling the earthquake disaster in Flores Timur Regency,” she said. In addition to sending logistical aid, they have established emergency tents and family tents spread across several locations free from potential earthquake or landslide hazards. Ministry of Social Affairs personnel in NTT have also been deployed to join local joint task forces for data collection on earthquake-affected residents, the level of house damage, public/social facilities, and the overall condition of the community. Medical personnel have also been deployed to treat victims with minor injuries and monitor the health of residents at evacuation sites, as well as conduct trauma recovery activities, especially for children experiencing fear due to the earthquake and aftershocks. “The joint team, consisting of related agencies, BPBD, TNI, and Polri, is still active in the field to set up emergency tents, distribute logistics, and monitor the situation. Overall, the situation is starting to be under control, but the recovery process will still take time, especially in terms of house repairs and mental health recovery for the residents,” said Masryani.