Nagekeo Flash Flood: 5 Missing Residents, 18 Isolated Villages

Flash floods hit residential areas in Maudonggo, Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. (ANTARA)

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) ensures that it continues to monitor and coordinate with the Nagekeo Regency BPBD regarding the emergency handling of the flash flood disaster that hit Maudonggo District, Nagekeo Regency, NTT, on Monday 8 September.

Entering the third day after the incident, Wednesday, September 10, the joint team is still struggling to find five residents who have been declared missing. However, SAR efforts in the field face tough challenges: changing weather and piles of mud and rock material carried by flash floods.

"BNPB together with local governments are committed to ensuring emergency handling runs effectively, including meeting the basic needs of the affected communities," said Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information and Communication Center Abdul Muhari in his statement, Wednesday, September 10.

Until now, 18 villages in Mauponggo District are still isolated due to cut access roads, power lines outages, and communication signals are paralyzed. This condition makes the joint team race against time so that aid arrives immediately.

For the time being, logistics distribution is carried out by sea by the NTT Provincial BPBD, with a shift plan on Thursday (11/9). Initial stage assistance includes 100 sheets of blankets, 100 mattresses, 75 packages of hygiene kits, 50 packages of cooking utensils, and 25 folding mattresses. In addition, BPBD also recommends additional ready-to-eat food for survivors.

On the other hand, the emergency response status is still waiting for an official determination. The Regent of Nagekeo is currently in Kupang attending a coordination meeting with the Governor of NTT to decide on acceleration steps.

Once the status is determined, BNPB will immediately send assistance personnel and other technical support according to the needs of the residents.

Maudonggo District is now the main point of evacuation, with an emergency post that accommodates at least 30 people. However, urgent needs such as tents, foodstuffs, clothing, baby needs, and air droppoint options are still a top priority.

"This disaster is not just a matter of data and numbers, but about the lives and lives of residents. Therefore, we will work openly, ensuring that all handling processes are clear, fast, and accountable," said Abdul Muhari.