NTT Police deploy Integrated Task Force to handle Nagekeo earthquake impact
The East Nusa Tenggara Regional Police (Polda NTT) have deployed an Integrated Task Force to strengthen the handling of the earthquake impact in Nagekeo Regency.
NTT Police Chief Inspector General Dr. Rudi Darmoko said in Kupang on Sunday that all involved units have been directed to work in an integrated manner according to their respective duties and functions.
“The National Police are present to ensure the public receives protection from the evacuation process, victim handling, through to the recovery stages. The safety of people’s lives is our top priority,” he said.
The deployment of personnel and various police technical elements is intended to ensure the emergency response proceeds quickly, in a coordinated and professional manner, with public safety and security as the main priority.
In this humanitarian operation, a number of police forces have been deployed to handle various needs on the ground.
The Mobile Brigade Corps has deployed Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel to sweep affected areas, including hard-to-reach locations.
Meanwhile, the K-9 Unit from the Animal Police has also been assigned to assist in searching for victims who may be buried under disaster debris.
For health handling, the Police Chief said medical personnel have been prepared to establish a field clinic. In addition to providing emergency medical services, the health team is also providing psychological support or trauma healing to affected communities.
The Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) team has been prepared to identify deceased victims scientifically and accurately while maintaining respect for the victims and their families.
In the traffic sector, traffic police personnel are carrying out traffic management and engineering to open priority corridors.
This measure is intended to ensure the smooth mobilisation of ambulances, rescue vehicles, and the distribution of logistical aid.
Meanwhile, community policing personnel are accompanying residents at affected locations. Officers are also assisting with data collection of residents, including separated families and people who have lost contact with their family members.
The NTT Police Chief emphasised that security aspects are also a concern in disaster situations.
“In disaster conditions, besides saving the public, we also ensure that environmental security is maintained. We must not allow people who are experiencing misfortune to become victims of crime,” he said.
Therefore, criminal investigation personnel have also been deployed to anticipate potential looting or fraud schemes exploiting the disaster situation, including irresponsible donation aid modus operandi.
The Police Chief reminded the public not to easily believe or spread unverified information.
“We urge the public to remain calm and follow the instructions of officers on the ground. Do not spread information whose truth has not been confirmed, because in disaster situations, incorrect information can cause panic,” he said.
Polda NTT has confirmed that the Integrated Task Force will continue to work together with the regional government, the Indonesian National Armed Forces, the Regional Disaster Management Agency, the National Search and Rescue Agency, and all relevant stakeholders in handling the disaster impact in Nagekeo Regency.
The Police Chief stressed that the presence of the National Police does not stop at the evacuation stage.