Social Minister Risma Asks North Nias Flood Handling To Be Done Quickly

Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini instructed his staff to respond quickly to the flood disaster in North Nias Regency, North Sumatra Province by deploying the Disaster Preparedness Team (Tagana) who carried out emergency response operations.

The Minister of Social Affairs expressed his sympathy and prayers for the people of North Nias to gain strength and patience.

“I have also ordered logistical assistance to be sent to flood survivors. I am sorry for this incident, I hope our brothers and sisters in Nias will be patient, and hopefully the condition will recover soon," Risma said in a statement in Jakarta, as reported by Antara, Wednesday, August 18.

In carrying out emergency response operations, Tagana coordinates with social services, volunteers, and related elements. With synergies, Tagana participated in evacuating and assessing disaster victims, as well as rescuing victims from unsafe conditions to safer places.

Through the Directorate General of Social Protection and Security, logistical assistance for emergency response has been distributed for flood victims in North Nias Regency in the form of 900 packages of ready-to-eat food, 420 packages of children's food, 200 sheets of mattresses, 150 sheets of mattresses, 300 sheets of blankets, 300 packages of family kits, kids ware 100 packs, food ware 100 packs.

“The total aid is worth Rp.433,747,420. I hope that the assistance from the Ministry of Social Affairs can reduce some of the burden on the affected communities," said Risma. At the direction of the Minister of Social Affairs, two Technical Service Units (UPT) of the Ministry of Social Affairs in Medan, namely Balai Karya Bahagia and Balai Insyaf, dispatched teams to disaster locations and distributed aid. .

Right on the 76th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia, Balai Karya Bahagia Medan brought the medicines needed to the Awa'ai Village Refugee Post. The medicine was handed over directly by the Head of Balai Karya Bahagia Medan, Lyana Siregar, to the Head of the UPTD Awa'ai Health Center, Dewi Rini Astuti, witnessed by representatives of the Social Service and Health Service Post at the location.

"With these medicines, it is hoped that it can help from the medical aspect and help local residents," said Lyana Siregar. In addition, Balai Karya Bahagia Medan also conducts Psychosocial Support Services (LDP) by inviting children to sing and doing defusing techniques or story sessions with several adult refugees.