NTT earthquake: Government urged to prioritise handling of vulnerable groups

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Member of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives Muhamad Abdul Azis Sefudin has urged the government to immediately accelerate the handling of the earthquake disaster that struck East Nusa Tenggara and to prioritise vulnerable groups.

“Speed is needed in disaster response. Time is very valuable in rescue operations and the fulfilment of the basic needs of the victims who are now in evacuation shelters must be met immediately,” said Azis Sefudin in a statement in Jakarta on Sunday.

He expressed his deepest condolences over the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that shook the Nagekeo area of East Nusa Tenggara.

He also called on the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and the Ministry of Social Affairs to be at the forefront of handling this disaster.

He specifically requested that the distribution of logistical aid not only focus on food supplies, but also on meeting the specific needs of vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children, and the elderly.

“The Ministry of Social Affairs must immediately ensure that public kitchens are established and nutritional assistance for children is available. We must not let residents who have lost their homes also have their health needs neglected. We cannot allow residents to struggle alone. I ask the BNPB and all relevant elements to carry out intensive monitoring and continue to provide accurate information to the public to avoid panic,” said Azis Sefudin.