NTT Earthquake Aid Distribution Hampered by Geography, BNPB Deploys Helicopters
Geographical challenges and limited transport options are the main obstacles in distributing aid to a number of areas affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). This situation means that logistics distribution cannot be carried out entirely by land or sea routes.
Acting Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Centre, Berton SP Panjaitan, revealed that aid to a number of field posts in affected villages had to be sent directly by helicopter to penetrate difficult access.
“Direct distribution to field posts in villages is carried out directly by BNPB via helicopter,” said Berton on Saturday (22/8).
Berton explained that in general, aid distribution is carried out in stages. Logistics are sent from the National Logistics Support Post at Halim Perdanakusuma to transit airports, namely Labuan Bajo Airport and Maumere Airport.
From these two airports, aid is forwarded to district command posts, then to sub-district level, until it finally reaches the field posts of affected villages. However, for areas with low accessibility, this pattern is shortened for the sake of speed of handling.
“So, usually when we deliver aid to Palue Island, we go directly to the field post, not to the post in the district,” explained Berton. This step is taken to ensure that the basic needs of residents remain met amid transport limitations.
Regarding challenges on the ground, Berton highlighted the geographical conditions in East Manggarai Regency which are quite difficult. He also provided clarification regarding reports about the mismatch in the amount of aid during the handover process in North Lamba Leda Sub-district.
He stressed that BNPB personnel at the location were tasked with providing assistance and monitoring, while responsibility for delivering goods was under the control of the East Manggarai Regency Command Post. Berton said the aid visible at the location at that time was indeed only partial because delivery was carried out in stages according to the availability of transport modes.
In addition to logistics, medical treatment for earthquake victims continues to be strengthened. KRI Dr. Soeharso-990 belonging to the Indonesian Navy has been docked at Reo Port since Friday (21/8). This hospital ship has an inpatient capacity of up to 75 patients and is equipped with operating room facilities.
The presence of this ship supports two field hospitals that have been operating at Waso Field and Wangkong Field, Reo, Manggarai Regency. In addition, the Floating Hospital Ship Kesatria Airlangga has also docked at Nanga Lirang Bay, East Manggarai, on Saturday (22/8) to expand the reach of health services.
Berton urged all parties involved to continue maintaining coordination and pay attention to safety factors while on duty in the field. “We urge all relevant parties to continue maintaining good coordination for the benefit of affected residents,” he concluded.