Three East Manggarai Earthquake Victims Evacuated by Basarnas Helicopter

Three victims of the magnitude 7.7 earthquake in East Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), were evacuated using a Basarnas helicopter on Tuesday (18/8).

The three required immediate medical attention after suffering fractures and dislocations.

Head of the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), Air Marshal Mohammad Syafii, joined the Joint SAR Team directly in the evacuation process. One of the victims was a five-year-old girl.

The evacuation was carried out using a Dauphin AS 365 N3+ HR-3604 helicopter stationed at Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo. The helicopter arrived at the Satar Kampas Main Post at 10.28 WITA to evacuate the three victims.

“The Joint SAR Team immediately evacuated three victims, one of whom was a five-year-old girl. All three suffered fractures and bone dislocations.

The Basarnas Dauphin helicopter arrived at the Satar Kampas Main Post at 10.28 WITA and then transported the three victims to Labuan Bajo. The helicopter landed safely at Komodo Airport at 11.00 WITA,” explained Mohammad Syafii.

Upon arrival at Komodo Airport, all victims were immediately taken to hospital for further medical treatment accompanied by doctors and medical staff.

The three victims were residents of Haju Wangi Village and Satar Padut Village, North Lamba Leda District, East Manggarai Regency.

Mohammad Syafii asked all Joint SAR Teams and SAR Potential to remain on standby in handling victims requiring evacuation and medical treatment following the earthquake.

“We hope all Joint SAR Teams remain fully alert in handling and evacuating victims, especially those requiring further medical treatment following this M 7.7 earthquake. Let us ensure Basarnas together with SAR Potential are always present for affected communities,” he said.