Nagekeo Earthquake Evacuees Need Family Tents for Babies and Elderly
Deputy Regent of Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Gonzalo Gratianus Muga Sada, has highlighted the need for tents for residents displaced by the earthquake on Saturday (15/8/2026). The evacuees are said to frequently request large tents and family tents.
“They prefer and request large tents like this along with family tents,” said Gonzalo when met at the Nagekeo BPBD disaster management post on Sunday (23/8/2026).
Gonzalo explained that the family tents are specifically designated for babies, toddlers, pregnant women and the elderly, so that they can be comfortable while carrying out their activities. The tents are also equipped with opening and closing doors and adequate sleeping facilities.
“The size is indeed not for the general public. If you look at it, for healthy people it could be forced to fit 10 people, but for pregnant women there needs to be more room to move and care for children. So the family tent can only accommodate six people,” explained the PAN party politician.
According to Gonzalo, aid entering Nagekeo is dominated by tents, tarpaulins, floor mattresses, blankets, mats and children’s clothing. The largest amount of aid came from President Prabowo Subianto in the form of complete packages, such as rice, sugar, coffee, tea, milk and a small amount of instant noodles.
Upon arrival, all aid is immediately distributed to each post based on the queue list of community needs. Aid may not be fulfilled if the requested stock is unavailable.
On the other hand, the Head of the Task Force and Commander of the Nagekeo Earthquake Disaster Emergency Response Post admitted that aid distribution has encountered several obstacles, namely that data collection on evacuees and the number of affected facilities was only completed on H+4. Meanwhile, other regencies were already at H+6.
“I have explained that after the earthquake, for two days the signal and electricity were cut off so communication did not work. It is understandable that when we wanted to send data to the ministry, it was hampered,” said Gonzalo.
He stressed that the data has been clarified and re-verified with the relevant ministry. Nevertheless, he admitted that several areas in Nagekeo that have not received maximum aid are Ngera Village, Lewangera, Keo Tengah District.
“So today we will begin distributing aid there,” said Gonzalo.
Gonzalo stated that currently, the number of evacuees in Nagekeo is more than 24,000 people. Meanwhile, the number of damaged facilities has reached more than 7,000. However, the relevant agencies and ministries are currently verifying this data.
“I hope everything can run smoothly,” concluded Gonzalo.