1,713 West Sumatra Earthquake Refugees Return, Officers Provide Tents Near Their Houses

The location of the earthquake refugees in the yard of the West Pasaman Regent's Office, West Sumatra has begun to be deserted. (Between)

SUMBAR - A total of 1,713 earthquake refugees in the yard of the West Pasaman Regent's Office, West Sumatra (West Sumatra) have returned home. For those who have returned home provided a tent near the house.

"As of Tuesday (March 8) night, 1,713 refugees have returned to their homes. Consisting of 858 men and 905 women," said the Commander of Kodim 0305/Pasaman, Lieutenant Colonel Kav Hery Bhakti as Commander of the West Pasaman Emergency Response Command Post in West Pasaman. Simpang Empat, Wednesday 9 March, quoted from Antara.

He said that currently there are 294 people who still survive in the evacuation tent in front of the regent's office, consisting of 153 men, 141 women, 28 toddlers, and 12 elderly people.

Kery added, in addition to the tent near the house, the refugees who had returned were also given a number of necessities. "For those who can't set up a tent near their house, they will find a spacious place for them," he said.

Currently, his party continues to collect data regarding the damage to residential areas caused by the earthquake.

From the results of a meeting with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) with the West Sumatra Provincial Government, it was agreed that heavily damaged houses would be assisted by the central government, moderately damaged by the West Sumatra Provincial Government, and lightly damaged by the West Pasaman Regency Government.

"The value of the aid is not clear because it is still being discussed. The most important thing now is how we provide tents, logistics, and temporary shelter for residents," he said.

Regarding the 14-day disaster emergency response period which will expire on Thursday 10 March, his party will hold a joint meeting whether the disaster response period is extended or entering a transition period.

"Today we have a meeting and decide on the emergency response period," he said.

It is currently also continuing to collect data on earthquake victims. Those who have not been registered are expected to immediately report to the main post of the regent's office or to the sub-district head, wali nagari, and jorong.

Temporary data as of Wednesday, March 9 morning, showed that 4,359 damaged settlements, 75 educational facilities, 18 health facilities, 26 infrastructure, 40 worship facilities, and 38 government facilities.