NTT Earthquake Kills 5 People, Puan Requests Data on Victims and Assistance to be Accelerated

JAKARTA - The Chair of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, asked the government to accelerate the data collection of victims and damage caused by the magnitude 7 earthquake that shook East Nusa Tenggara, Saturday, August 15. As of Saturday afternoon, five people were reported dead and a number of residents were injured.

"The DPR leadership expressed concern over the major earthquake disaster in NTT. The government must act quickly to deal with the impact of the earthquake, and respond quickly to the needs of affected residents," said Puan in a written statement received on Saturday, August 15.

The earthquake was centered in Mbay, Nagekeo Regency, and affected a number of areas in the north of Flores, including Maumere, Ngada and Manggarai. A number of buildings were reported to have collapsed.

Of the five victims who died, two of them were mother and child who were hit by the ruins of the house.

"We convey our deep sorrow to the victims and their families. Hopefully the victims who were injured can also recover soon," said Puan.

The NTT Provincial Government is still checking the data on victims and damage, especially in the interior. Puan asked that the process be accelerated so that assistance would not be late.

"Quick data collection can facilitate post-earthquake handling so that the needs of victims can be immediately provided," he said.

The earthquake was also felt in Bima, West Nusa Tenggara, as well as the Selayar and Bulukumba Islands, South Sulawesi. The tsunami early warning that had been issued has been lifted. However, Puan asked for monitoring to continue.

He also asked the government to pay attention to tourists who were affected, especially in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai. When the earthquake occurred, hundreds of domestic and foreign tourists were reported to have left the hotel, while a number of hotels and resorts were damaged.

"These tourists are far from home. The government must ensure that they get help, especially for tourists whose places to stay are damaged," said Puan.

BMKG noted that the earthquake was triggered by the activity of the Flores Back-Arc Thrust or Flores Back-Arc Thrust. Puan asked the government to anticipate aftershocks and ensure that official information immediately reaches the public in the midst of circulating news about the potential for the next major earthquake.

"The government through the authorized agency must provide accurate information to the public and provide education to prevent public unrest," he said.

Puan also asked that logistics be distributed evenly, including to areas that are difficult to reach. The evacuation site, according to Puan, must be safe and pay attention to the elderly, children, pregnant and lactating mothers, people with disabilities, and residents with congenital diseases.