Plan Indonesia responds to needs of children affected by NTT earthquake
Plan Indonesia Executive Director Dini Widiastuti affirmed that the organisation is moving swiftly to monitor developments following the M7.7 earthquake in Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT), while coordinating with various parties to ensure that children’s needs are included in the humanitarian response.
“Our team is currently conducting field verification and coordinating closely with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), local government and humanitarian networks to ascertain the condition of communities, especially the children we support and their families in affected locations,” Dini said in a statement in Jakarta on Saturday.
Dini stressed that Plan Indonesia is also carrying out a rapid needs assessment to identify the most urgent requirements. Disasters such as this not only impact homes and infrastructure, but can also affect children’s sense of safety and psychological well-being.
As part of the initial response, Plan Indonesia is therefore preparing support in the form of emergency shelter supplies, menstrual hygiene kits, and access to clean water, with particular attention to the needs of children and girls during the emergency response period.
“In emergency situations, girls can face additional risks, including disruption to education, loss of safe spaces, increased risk of violence, and difficulty accessing basic services,” she said.
Dini urged the public to continue following official information and guidance from BMKG, BNPB, BPBD and local government, including regarding potential aftershocks and developments in their respective areas.
Plan Indonesia extended its sympathy and support to all communities affected by the earthquake in NTT.
Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi confirmed that the government is carrying out a rapid emergency response following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake.
The minister said President Prabowo Subianto has received the latest reports and developments after the earthquake struck Nagekeo Regency, NTT, on Saturday at around 04:58 WIB.
He confirmed that coordination has been carried out with Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno and Head of the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) Mohammad Syafii, who are reported to be heading to the affected area today.
“We are all, both central and regional government and all relevant agencies, including the TNI and Polri, taking mitigation measures, taking rapid steps, rapid emergency response, especially to immediately address the situation in the early stages of the incident,” Prasetyo Hadi said.