NTT Police Deploy DVI Team to Identify Flores Earthquake Victims
The East Nusa Tenggara Police (Polda NTT) have deployed an integrated task force to handle the impact of the earthquake in several districts on Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara, on Saturday (15/8). One of the key elements deployed is the Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) team to identify deceased victims scientifically and accurately. NTT Police Chief Inspector General Rudi Darmoko said all personnel involved are directed to work in an integrated manner, prioritising public safety. “The National Police is present to ensure the public receives protection from the evacuation process, victim handling, to the recovery stage. The safety of people’s lives is our main priority,” the NTT Police Chief told reporters. According to him, the DVI team is specifically prepared to carry out the identification process of deceased victims using scientific methods. The process is carried out carefully while still prioritising respect for the victims and their families.
In addition to the DVI team, the Mobile Brigade Corps deployed SAR personnel to sweep affected areas, including locations that are difficult to reach. The K-9 animal police unit was also deployed to assist in searching for victims suspected of being buried under disaster debris. For medical handling, health personnel were prepared to build field clinics to provide emergency health services. The health team also provided psychological assistance or trauma healing for affected residents. In the traffic sector, the traffic police carried out traffic management and engineering to open priority corridors so that ambulances, rescue vehicles and logistical aid could move smoothly.
Samapta personnel were deployed to secure evacuation sites and residential areas abandoned by residents. Meanwhile, community police officers assisted in data collection of the public, including residents separated from their families or who lost contact with family members. The Police Chief emphasised that security aspects remain a concern during the emergency response period. “In disaster conditions, besides saving the public, we also ensure environmental security is maintained. We must not let people who are experiencing a disaster become victims of crime,” he stressed. In addition, criminal investigation personnel were also deployed to anticipate looting and fraud that exploit the disaster situation, including irresponsible donation schemes.
Meanwhile, the Public Relations Division of the NTT Police was assigned to operate a crisis information centre to ensure the public receives accurate information regarding the development of the situation, evacuation, victim data and disaster handling. Therefore, the Police Chief urged the public not to spread unverified information. “We urge the public to remain calm and follow the instructions of officers in the field. Do not spread information whose truth has not been confirmed because in a disaster situation, incorrect information can cause panic,” he said. According to Inspector General Rudi Darmoko, the integrated task force continues to work together with local governments, the Indonesian National Armed Forces, the Regional Disaster Management Agency, the National Search and Rescue Agency and all relevant stakeholders in handling the impact of the disaster in Nagekeo. The Police Chief emphasised that the presence of the National Police does not stop at the evacuation process. “The National Police is present from the initial point of evacuation to recovery. We will continue to accompany the public and ensure disaster handling runs quickly, measurably and humanely,” he explained.