Social Minister Risma's Quick Action, Directly Distributing Food And Mattress Aid To Earthquake Victims In Mamuju, West Sulawesi

Portrait of a number of affected victims gathered in a tent due to the Mamuju earthquake that occurred on (ANTARA/HO-Kemensos)

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Social Affairs has sent aid in the form of hundreds of food and mattresses to respond quickly to the needs of victims of the earthquake that occurred in Mamuju, West Sulawesi, Wednesday, June 8.

"Logistics assistance has been sent to areas affected by the earthquake. We are moving quickly so that residents can receive the assistance", said Social Minister, Tri Rismaharini, in a written statement received in Jakarta, Antara, Thursday, June 9.

Risma emphasized that the Mamuju Disaster Preparedness (Tagana) personnel were immediately dispatched since the disaster occurred with assistance from residents. Tagana assists in evacuating disaster survivors, especially vulnerable groups from less secure locations to safer locations, helping to record the impact of disasters and distributing logistical assistance.

Logistics assistance was sent from the Eastern Regional Warehouse in Makassar and the Nipotowe Sentra Warehouse in Palu on the same day.

The forms of assistance sent from the regional warehouse east of Makassar were 1,000 packages of ready-to-eat food, 800 packages of children's food, 1,000 packages of ready-to-eat side dishes, 500 red blankets, 100 mattresses, 100 adult clothing, and 100 velbed sets, multipurpose tents. 12 family units, 25 family tents, and 100 mattresses.

There is also assistance in the form of 500 packages of baby clothes, 200 packages of adult clothing, 100 packages of family kits, 100 packages of kids ware, 100 packages of family kitchen utensils, and 500 packages of sanitary napkins.

The forms of assistance sent from the regional warehouse east of Makassar are 1,000 packages of ready-to-eat food, 800 packages of children's food, 1,000 packages of ready-to-eat side dishes, 500 red blankets, 100 mattresses, 100 pieces of adult clothing, and 100 sets of velbeds, 12 family multipurpose tents, 25 family tents, and 100 mattresses.

Furthermore, there are 500 packages of baby clothing, 200 packages of adult clothing, 100 packages of family kits, 100 packages of kids ware, 100 packages of family kitchen utensils, 500 packages of sanitary napkins, two portable toilets, and one general generator unit.

According to Risma, the Ministry of Social Affairs has also activated public kitchens which have the capacity to provide 700 packs of rice per day. Meanwhile, tents have been erected to provide comfort and security and can be used by refugees.

“This morning, additional tents were erected. Meanwhile, around 1,100 people have taken refuge in Manakarra Stadium", she said.

Furthermore, a Psychosocial Support Service (LDP) team to overcome the psychological impacts faced by victims has also been provided in the field.

He also stated that the Ministry of Social Affairs would continue to wait and respond quickly to official reports from local governments regarding the number of injured or dead.

Previously, an earthquake with a magnitude (M) of 5.8 rocked Mamuju on Wednesday at around 12.32 WIB. The location of the earthquake point was at coordinates 2.74 degrees south latitude and 118.54 degrees east longitude with the epicenter at 43 kilometers southwest of Mamuju at a depth of 10 kilometers and with no tsunami potential.