Pratikno urges NTT regional governments to form local task force to accelerate earthquake response

The Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture (Kemenko PMK) has recommended that regional governments in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) immediately establish a disaster management task force to accelerate and ensure equitable coordination for survivors of the 7.7 magnitude earthquake in the region.

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno said in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday that the formation of a regional task force is an important step given that evacuation sites are not concentrated in a single location but are spread across various affected areas.

“We urge that a regional task force be established immediately, because evacuation sites are located at several points. In addition, we see that there are still basic needs of the displaced that must be met,” said Minister Pratikno.

This measure is also aligned with the provision of evacuation facilities by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), the Ministry of Social Affairs, and the Ministry of Health, ranging from the preparation of adequate family tents, the operation of field public kitchens, to the reinforcement of medical personnel on the ground.

Minister Pratikno emphasised that the central government will continue to support regional governments until the emergency response period runs effectively and the basic rights of all affected residents are served equitably.

The fatalities came from Manggarai Regency with 26 people, East Manggarai Regency with 24 people, Nagekeo Regency with eight people, Sikka Regency with four people, Ende Regency with two people, West Manggarai Regency with two people, and Ngada Regency with two people.

In addition to the fatalities, BNPB also recorded that 213 people suffered injuries.