TNI deploys Hercules aircraft and warships to handle earthquake victims in NTT

The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) deployed its soldiers to areas affected by the earthquake disaster in Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Saturday. The TNI has also prepared supporting forces and facilities to accelerate the distribution and mobilisation of personnel and logistics by preparing Hercules aircraft and Republic of Indonesia Warships (KRI). Their use will be adjusted according to needs and developments in the situation on the ground.

“The TNI is deploying Hercules aircraft and KRI to assist in disaster management and support the needs of affected communities,” said Head of the TNI Information Centre (Kapuspen) Major General Muhammad Nas, as quoted from a written statement by the Government Communication Agency (Bakom) in Jakarta.

Currently, the soldiers deployed to evacuate and handle affected communities come from Military District Command 1603/Sikka, Military District Command 1612/Manggarai, Military District Command 1602/Ende, and Territorial Development Infantry Battalion 834/Wakanga Mere.

Nas stated that the TNI continues to coordinate with regional governments, the National Police, the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Regional Disaster Management Agencies (BPBD), the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), and other relevant agencies so that disaster management proceeds quickly and in an integrated manner.

According to BNPB data, as of Saturday at 12.30 Western Indonesia Time, the number of residents who died as a result of the earthquake was recorded at 14 people. Meanwhile, two people suffered serious injuries and 11 suffered minor injuries. BNPB also recorded damage to buildings in several areas.

Fatalities were recorded in Manggarai Regency (six people), East Manggarai Regency (five people), and Sikka Regency (three people). In addition to the loss of life, around five families were affected and around 2,000 residents have fled or carried out independent evacuation.

In terms of damage, 54 houses are currently recorded as heavily damaged, nine houses moderately damaged, and 11 houses lightly damaged. Damage also occurred to five health facilities, one educational facility, one Bulog warehouse, three places of worship and six government offices.

The areas most significantly affected by the disaster are Manggarai Regency, followed by East Manggarai Regency. All casualty data is still in the process of verification and validation, and may therefore change.