Tumbang Timpah Tree PMI Volunteer Camp In West Kalimantan, 1 Died, 2 Injured

A fallen tree fell on a camp tent for West Kalimantan PMI volunteers. (ANTARA/HO-West Kalimantan PMI Volunteers)

JAKARTA - One died and two others were injured as a result of a fallen tree hitting a camp tent for Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) volunteers in Rekadena Agrotourism Park, Sungai Kakap District, Kubu Raya Regency, West Kalimantan (West Kalimantan).

"The tragic incident was estimated early this morning, at around 04:30 a.m., before the dawn call to prayer. At that time, strong winds suddenly rained heavily in the camp area. A large tree fell in the camp area and hit tent number 6, which was filled by 10 male volunteers," said West Kalimantan PMI officer Abussamah, in the Kakap River, West Kalimantan, Wednesday, September 18, which was confiscated by Antara.

For information from the 10 people, 7 survived unharmed, while 2 people were injured, and one volunteer, on behalf of Edy Septiadi, died from being hit by a tree.

Meanwhile, the injured victims were Elisius Kayong, who suffered bruises, as well as another KSR Untan volunteer who suffered fractures in the arm.

The two injured victims are currently receiving medical treatment at the Pontianak City Hospital.

The West Kalimantan PMI has decided to evacuate all camp participants to the front hall as temporary shelters. The camp area in Rekadena Agrotourism Park was temporarily vacated until weather conditions were safer.

This incident is a deep sorrow for the families of the victims and PMI volunteers who are carrying out humanitarian activities. In addition, this incident is also a reminder of the importance of preparedness in dealing with extreme weather conditions that can occur at any time.

Until now, the evacuation process is still ongoing with a focus on the safety of the remaining participants.

Separately, the Head of the Kapap River Police, Ipda Dolas, revealed that the team immediately moved to evacuate the deceased to the Soedarso Hospital in Pontianak, while two injured victims were immediately treated at the nearest hospital.

"We are also evacuating other volunteers to be moved to a safer place at the West Kalimantan PMI Office, while waiting for the weather conditions to improve," he said.

However, the evacuation of tents and goods at the scene could not be carried out because heavy rains and strong winds still hit the area.

"For now, our priority is to ensure the safety of all remaining participants. Other participant tents cannot be moved, because the weather is still not friendly," said Dolas.

Meanwhile, Acting Governor of West Kalimantan Harisson expressed his deep condolences to the victims and the PMI volunteer camp family who died when they were hit by a tree in the camp area.

"I express my deepest condolences. Because the weather was not so good that the heavy rain at dawn was a fallen tree and hit a tent," said Harisson.

In the future, Harisson said that every committee organizing camp activities could pay attention to conditions or weather forecasts with low risk.