IDI Responds Quickly To The Bandung Earthquake Disaster, Sends Doctors To Affected Locations

JAKARTA - An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.9 rocked Bandung Regency, West Java, Wednesday, September 18. BMKG noted that the epicenter of the earthquake was on land, 25 km southeast of Bandung Regency, with a depth of 10 km. Guncangan was felt in the Bandung area such as Majalaya, Banjalan, Lembang, Parompong, West Bandung, Garut, and Cileunyi. Many buildings were damaged, including the Palatari Health Center which was significantly affected.

In the emergency response, the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI) immediately deployed medical personnel under the coordination of IDI West Java Region. The head of IDI Bandung Regency Branch, Dr. A. Aziz Asopari, reported that the Bedas Kertas Kertasari Hospital treated 26 victims, consisting of 24 minor injuries and 2 serious injuries who were referred to Majalaya Hospital.

The total number of victims recorded in the earthquake-affected areas includes 15 people seriously injured, 53 minor injuries, and 1 victim who died, a toddler. Currently, around 5,400 people are displaced, and doctors in the field report urgent needs for logistics for food and medicine. Special needs include cough medicine, analgesics, anti-alergies, anti-hypertension, as well as vitamins for pregnant women and children.

The most common post-disaster diseases are reported including ARI, allergies, hypertension, myalgia, and anxiety. The IDI team also found children experiencing post-disaster trauma in Cihawuk Village, who needed counseling.

According to Dr. M. Luthfi, SpPD-KHOM, FINASIM, MMRS, Chairman of IDI West Java Region, around 40 general practitioners and specialists with nurses have been deployed to affected areas. The mobile clinic team is still operating in several locations to provide mobile health services. Logistical assistance, medicines, and milk will be distributed by IDI West Java Region in the near future.

As of September 19, 2024, BMKG reported aftershocks with the largest magnitude of 3.1, but there was no potential for a tsunami. The General Chairperson of PB IDI, Dr. Moh. Adib Khumaidi, SpOT, appreciated IDI's quick response in West Java and appealed to all IDI branches in Indonesia to increase preparedness in dealing with potential disasters.

IDI also reminded people in affected areas to avoid damaged buildings and comply with directions from security officers. The public is asked to always be aware of potential aftershocks and follow official information from the BMKG.