NTT earthquake: Police assure public safety is top priority
The Indonesian National Police (Polri) has assured that public safety is the force’s top priority in handling the earthquake disaster in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
This was conveyed by National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo during a direct inspection of affected locations and evacuation shelters in Manggarai Regency and East Manggarai Regency, NTT, on Tuesday, according to an official statement.
The Police Chief said that in line with the directive of President Prabowo Subianto, Polri together with all relevant elements continues to strengthen disaster response, from search and rescue (SAR), victim evacuation, emergency response handling, health services, to the distribution of logistical aid and basic necessities for the community.
“Polri will remain committed to standing with the community in facing these difficult times and to synergising with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), regional governments, and all relevant stakeholders to accelerate disaster response, recovery of affected areas, and ensure the security and safety of the public,” he said.
In terms of health services, he continued, Polri is also ensuring care for people requiring medical treatment or further medical attention, including pregnant women nearing delivery.
“For people requiring medical treatment or further medical care, we will certainly assist them immediately and, if necessary, refer them to the nearest hospital. We will facilitate the evacuation and transportation process,” he said.
In addition to personnel and logistical aid, Polri has placed operational support assets on standby, including one vessel, three aircraft, and three helicopters to support services and the handling of communities affected by the disaster.
During today’s visit, Polri distributed 3,500 social assistance packages, 500 children’s toys, 39 mattresses, 10 water tanks, and 36 boxes of medicines to communities in Manggarai Regency and East Manggarai Regency.
“Hopefully this assistance can ease the burden on the community and help meet their needs while staying at evacuation sites,” he said.
Polri, he added, will continue to coordinate with BNPB, TNI, regional governments, and all relevant elements so that every community need can be addressed as quickly as possible.
“We all pray that conditions will improve soon, that the entire response process runs smoothly, and that the community can resume their activities as before,” he said.