Albertus Jehamin Killed By Falling Tree In NTT While Driving A Motorcycle

A fallen tree fell on a motorcycle that killed the motorcyclist in Timbu Village, Manggarai Regency, NTT (ANTARA/HO-BPBD NTT Province)

JAKARTA - The Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of East Nusa Tenggara Province confirmed that a student, Albertus Jehamin from Golowoi Village, Manggarai Regency, Flores Island, died when a fallen tree fell on him.

"The victim was killed by a fallen tree while riding a motorcycle on the street on Tuesday, January 11 afternoon", said the Head of BPBD NTT Province, Ambrosius Kodo, when confirmed in Kupang, Wednesday, January 12, quoted by Antara.

He explained that the incident occurred when strong winds accompanied by rain caused the candlenut tree to fall on Kampung Lamba Street, Timbu Village, West Cibal District.

The victim, who was a class XI high school student who was riding a motorcycle at the time, could not avoid the fallen tree and hit him.

"When local residents evacuated, it was discovered that the victim was already dead due to being crushed by a tree", he said.

Ambrosius said after the victims were evacuated, BPBD Manggarai Regency through the Quick Response Team together with residents immediately cleaned up fallen trees so that road access could be reused.

He said that assistance had also been distributed to the families of the victims in the form of condolences from the district BPBD and basic materials from the local Social Service.

Furthermore, Ambrosius reminded residents in NTT to continue to increase their vigilance amid the threat of disaster due to extreme weather in the island-based province.

When there is heavy rain and strong winds, he said residents must reduce activities outside their homes, including not driving unless there is a very urgent need.

"We are in the threat of extreme weather disasters, so we urge you to care about your own safety", he said.

Ambrosius added that apart from being wary of fallen trees, other disaster threats must be watched out for when extreme weather occurs, such as floods, flash floods, landslides, and lightning strikes.