Three Flores Regions Briefly Isolated After NTT Earthquake, Police Reopen Access and Rescue Pregnant Woman

The Indonesian National Police has succeeded in reopening access to three areas on Flores Island that had previously been isolated due to earthquakes and landslides.

This was stated by the East Nusa Tenggara Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Rudi Darmoko, in response to questions about efforts by the police and related parties to open isolated routes in earthquake-affected areas on Flores Island in Kupang on Monday.

“Three areas that were temporarily isolated have now had their access reopened, because they had previously been cut off by landslides,” he said.

The three locations that had been isolated and have now had access reopened include North Lamba Leda District in East Manggarai Regency.

At that location, personnel found residents in urgent need of assistance. In addition to distributing food, drinking water and medicines, personnel also evacuated a pregnant woman who was bleeding due to premature labour.

“Alhamdulillah, she was able to be evacuated and taken to hospital. Alhamdulillah, she could be saved,” he said.

The second location was the Reo area in Manggarai Regency, which had also experienced isolation. The Manggarai Police Chief and personnel succeeded in opening access to the location, distributing aid and establishing emergency posts and tents for affected residents.

Meanwhile, the third location was Dimpong Village in North Rahong District, Manggarai Regency. Information about the condition of isolated residents was received through social media. The East Nusa Tenggara Regional Police then responded quickly by sending Mobile Brigade personnel to the location.

“Alhamdulillah, they were able to evacuate the isolated residents there who had not yet received aid. Alhamdulillah, they have now been evacuated by the Mobile Brigade,” he said.

According to the Regional Police Chief, the success in reaching the three areas demonstrates the importance of personnel speed in responding to community reports.

He said that the police are still continuing to distribute aid to a number of residents who have not yet received assistance.

The Regional Police Chief urged the public to report any other earthquake victims who have not yet received aid so that they can be registered and receive assistance promptly.