Several Buildings in Bima NTB Damaged by the Nagekeo NTT Earthquake

MATARAM - A number of buildings in Bima City, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), were reported to have been damaged by an earthquake with a magnitude (M) 7.7 centered in Nagekeo Regency on the island of Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), on Saturday, at 05.58 WITA.

The Head of the Bima City BPBD, A. Faruk, said that the earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 was felt in the Bima City area, resulting in damage to a number of local residents' houses.

"Based on the initial data collection results, there is one house that was damaged in the South Rabangodu RT 03 RW 01 area due to the earthquake," he said as quoted by ANTARA, Saturday, August 15.

In addition, damage also occurred to the Bulog Warehouse, especially damage to the wall which caused a number of sacks of rice in the warehouse to fall. Then, another damage to the ceiling of the Mutmainnah Hotel Mosque.

"Until now, reports are still being compiled, data collection, and monitoring of the impact of the earthquake is still being carried out to ensure the condition of the community and identify the possibility of damage or other impacts," said Faruk.

Faruk revealed that the team is currently still coordinating with the Disaster Volunteer Team in the local village and reviewing the location of the incident.

"The general public is still under surveillance, while data collection and field verification continue to be carried out to find out the possibility of damage or other impacts caused by the earthquake," he explained.

He added that for the time being, the urgent need for logistical support for affected residents is needed, especially basic needs, such as ready-to-eat food, mineral water, blankets, tarpaulins, mattresses, and family needs equipment.

In addition, emergency handling material support in the form of tarpaulins or temporary covering materials is also needed to anticipate when the damaged part of the house cannot be used safely.

"Meeting the logistics needs will be adjusted to the results of the assessment and the development of the conditions of the affected residents in the field," he said.