PKB asks vulnerable groups to be priority for post-earthquake assistance after M7.7 earthquake hit NTT

Earthquake (between)

JAKARTA - Members of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) of the National Awakening Party (PKB) Dapil NTT Dipo Nusantara asked the government to pay special attention to vulnerable groups in handling the impact of a magnitude 7.7 earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Assistance should not be given indiscriminately but must look at the needs of children, the elderly, women, people with disabilities and sick people.

"Aid should not only look at general needs. Pay attention to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, women, people with disabilities, and residents who are sick. They need special protection and treatment at the evacuation site," Dipo said in a written statement, Saturday, August 15.

Dipo asked the central and regional governments to immediately take emergency response measures. He said the initial information he received said that a number of buildings had been damaged and residents had panicked and fled to the highlands.

The M7.7 earthquake shook NTT on Saturday morning at 04.58 WIB with an epicenter in the sea about 30 kilometers northeast of Mbay, Nagekeo Regency at a depth of 15 kilometers. The earthquake triggered a tsunami early warning.

"We hope that the government and related stakeholders will immediately take action to respond to the impact of the earthquake. We have received information that the damage to buildings is quite severe and triggers panic in the community so that they go to high ground," he said.

Dipo said that the search and rescue of residents who were hit by the building should also be a priority. The evacuation of residents from dangerous buildings needs to be done immediately.

"We must prioritize people. Find and save residents who need help, make sure that the injured victims immediately receive medical services, and do not let the people who have lost their homes have to survive in inappropriate conditions," said the legislator.

He also asked the government to immediately ensure the availability of basic needs for affected people, ranging from food, clean water, shelter to health services.

"We hope that the government will immediately help the community so that they do not get more difficult because they are late in getting help, food, clean water, shelter, and health services," he said.

In addition to assistance, Dipo asked the BMKG and local governments to continue to convey official information regarding the potential of aftershocks. The public is also asked not to easily believe in unverified information.

"The government must be present not only with assistance, but also with reliable information. We hope that there will be no casualties and that all the people of Flores and NTT will be safe in the face of this disaster," he concluded.