Seventh Day After NTT Earthquake, SAR Team Evacuates Two Critical Victims in East Manggarai
Entering the seventh day of handling the aftermath of the 7.7-magnitude tectonic earthquake that struck Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT), the Maumere SAR Office together with SAR resources continues to intensify search, rescue, and emergency medical evacuation operations for affected residents.
Deputy for Operations and Readiness of Basarnas, Major General (Marine) Edy Prakoso, directly led the airborne medical evacuation mission using the Basarnas Dauphin AS 365 N3+ helicopter to the affected area in East Manggarai Regency.
The helicopter landed in Ronting Hamlet, Satar Kampas Village, North Lamba Leda District, to evacuate two elderly residents who were in critical condition due to severe injuries.
Based on the initial examination by the Ministry of Health medical team at the location, the 81-year-old male victim suffered a suspected spinal cord injury. Meanwhile, the 71-year-old female victim suffered a suspected basal skull fracture.
“We prioritise victims who require immediate medical evacuation, especially those in critical condition. By using a helicopter, we can accelerate the evacuation process from the affected area to more adequate health facilities,” Edy explained.
According to Edy, the SAR operation does not only focus on search and rescue, but also ensures that community groups requiring special handling can be immediately transferred to health facilities.
“The SAR team together with all available resources will continue to move, both by land and air. The principle is that affected communities must receive assistance and services as quickly as possible,” he said.
The two victims were then flown to Komodo Airport, Labuan Bajo, before being referred to Pratama Komodo Regional Hospital for intensive medical treatment.
In addition to carrying out medical evacuations, the Basarnas helicopter also distributed Presidential Assistance to meet the urgent needs of communities affected by the earthquake in the East Manggarai area.
Air operations were carried out as part of efforts to accelerate handling in affected areas, especially when access to a number of locations still faces obstacles due to damage caused by the earthquake.
The Maumere SAR Office together with SAR resources will continue to carry out search, rescue, evacuation, and humanitarian services by land and air to ensure affected communities receive assistance quickly, precisely, and optimally.
The assistance includes health supplies, baby and child necessities, as well as clothing to support the fulfilment of basic needs of affected communities.