Puan urges government to speed up data collection on NTT earthquake victims

House Speaker Puan Maharani has asked the government to speed up data collection on victims of the earthquake that shook East Nusa Tenggara, while also responding immediately to the needs of affected residents. In a statement received in Jakarta on Saturday, Puan expressed deep condolences for those who died and their bereaved families. She also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. “The House leadership expresses concern over the major earthquake disaster in NTT. The government must move quickly to handle the earthquake’s impact and respond swiftly to the needs of affected residents,” she said. According to Puan, rapid data collection can facilitate post-earthquake handling so that victims’ needs can be met promptly. Logistics assistance, she said, must be distributed immediately and evenly to affected residents, particularly those whose homes were severely damaged and people living in hard-to-reach areas. “If there are residents who are displaced, ensure that evacuation shelters are comfortable and safe. Shelters must be friendly to the elderly, children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with disabilities, and those with pre-existing medical conditions,” Puan added. A tectonic earthquake measuring 7.0 in magnitude shook East Nusa Tenggara on Saturday morning. The tremor was felt as far as Lombok Island in West Nusa Tenggara. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency stated that the earthquake occurred at 05:58 Central Indonesia Time with its epicentre north of Mbay, Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. The agency briefly issued a tsunami early warning. Although the tsunami early warning has been lifted, Puan asked the government to continue monitoring the affected areas. Residents are advised to stay away from the sea for the time being. She also asked the government to provide assistance to tourists who became victims, noting that the earthquake was also felt in the Labuan Bajo area of West Manggarai, a tourist destination in East Nusa Tenggara. “These tourists are far from home. The government must ensure they receive help, especially those whose accommodation was damaged,” she said. Regarding the potential for aftershocks, the government was asked to provide accurate information to the public and expand education to prevent public anxiety.