TNI accelerates NTT earthquake response from evacuation to field kitchens
Field kitchens have been set up to ensure the food needs of affected communities continue to be met while they remain in evacuation sites.
Denpasar (ANTARA) - TNI personnel under Kodam IX/Udayana have moved quickly to handle the impact of the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), from data collection and evacuation of victims to health services, field kitchens and meeting the basic needs of affected communities.
The response was further strengthened with the arrival of Indonesian Defence Minister General TNI (Ret.) Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin at Komodo Airport, Labuan Bajo, NTT, on Tuesday.
The Defence Minister’s arrival was welcomed by Pangdam IX/Udayana Major General TNI Piek Budyakto and his staff.
During the visit, the Ministry of Defence together with the TNI also sent 20 tonnes of humanitarian aid from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, Jakarta, using an Airbus A400M aircraft to Labuan Bajo.
Aster Kasdam IX/Udayana Colonel Inf Yudi Riyanto Ratu said TNI personnel have been on the ground since the first day of the earthquake to identify affected areas and gather data on community needs.
“Since the first day of the incident, TNI personnel from Kodam IX/Udayana have been at the location to identify affected areas and gather data. We have also immediately carried out aid measures quickly,” he said.
According to Yudi, basic necessities in the form of staple food packages have been distributed through Kodim units in affected areas. TNI personnel have also set up evacuation posts and health facilities, including providing medicines.
“Staple food aid by the Dandim has been running. Our personnel have also set up evacuation posts, health facilities with medicine support, as well as field kitchens for affected communities,” he explained.
For victims who suffered injuries, the TNI carried out evacuations to the nearest hospitals so they could receive medical treatment.
“For people who suffered injuries, we immediately evacuated them to the nearest hospitals so they could receive medical treatment,” Yudi stressed.
“Kodam IX/Udayana has deployed all its resources since the beginning of the incident to help affected communities,” he said.
He said public safety is the priority, followed by accelerating the evacuation of victims requiring medical assistance, meeting the basic needs of evacuees and distributing aid quickly and on target.
The arrival of the Defence Minister and the dispatch of 20 tonnes of aid using an A400M aircraft are part of strengthening the government’s response to the earthquake disaster in NTT.
This step complements the handling already carried out by the TNI on the ground, from evacuation and health services to the establishment of evacuation posts, field kitchens and distribution of aid to affected communities.