Access To Medan-Aceh Tamiang Opens, Aid Distribution Accelerates

JAKARTA - The process of opening the land route connecting Medan City, North Sumatra, to Aceh Tamiang has again shown progress. Currently, heavy equipment is still being operated to remove soil, mud, and debris material that previously closed the main interprovincial access.

According to the Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, some four-wheeled vehicles have started to pass even at limited speeds. Efforts to accelerate lane opening are carried out throughout the day.

"The BNPB team monitored from the North Sumatra route to Kuala Simpang, Aceh Tamiang, today, a number of heavy equipment from the Public Works Service continue to try to get rid of materials in the form of soil, mud and other debris that previously closed access," said Abdul Muhari in his statement, Tuesday, December 2.

Abdul Muhari added that the work remaining only on the pile of materials at several points on the side of the road. The line is targeted to be fully opened on Wednesday, December 3.

On the other hand, BNPB dispatched assistance teams to all affected districts and cities. Assistance includes logistics and equipment distribution, data updating, implementation of the command system, to coordination of needs during emergency handling.

The distribution of aid was also accelerated by sea from Banda Aceh to Langsa, with a travel time of about two days. Arriving on the mainland, assistance was directed to the Langsa Social Service before being escorted to the affected areas.

"Logistical assistance is already at the Langsa Social Service office for Langsa City, while Aceh Tamiang is already on its way. Today, this distribution of support will begin," he explained.

In addition to sea routes, shipping is also carried out by air using helicopters in the Aceh Tamiang area, especially for areas that cannot be reached by land vehicles such as fields near Babo and Perupuk, Bandar Pusaka District.

"The types and quantities of goods sent at this stage include 100 packs of ready-to-eat food, 100 hygiene kits, 50 packs of basic food packages, 100 blankets, 100 sheets of mattresses, 25 cleaning equipment," said Abdul Muhari.

After access begins to open, the distribution of logistical and food assistance, recovery of electricity and telecommunications networks and cleaning of materials can be more easily carried out optimally and thoroughly.

"With the opening of access from Medan to Aceh Tamiang, Langsa, to Lhoksumawe, it is hoped that it will have a better impact on the community and all components on duty in the field during the emergency response to recovery later," he concluded.

Photo: dock. BNPB Public Relations)