Flores earthquake: Public Works Ministry tackles 34 landslide sites and 9 bridges

Indonesia's Ministry of Public Works is actively managing infrastructure damage resulting from the Flores earthquake. Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo reported that ministry teams have inspected numerous landslide locations and bridges across several national road networks, initiating cleanup, safety measures, and preparations for permanent repairs.

Initial data from the National Road Implementation Agency (BPJN) of East Nusa Tenggara indicates that 94 road and bridge points were damaged by the earthquake. This includes 75 landslide sites, three subsidence points, and 16 damaged bridges and culverts. Hanggodo stated that the Directorate General of Bina Marga's Emergency Response Task Force has already assessed 34 landslide sites and nine bridges/culverts.

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Based on initial data from the National Road Implementation Agency (BPJN) of East Nusa Tenggara, 94 road and bridge points were damaged by the earthquake, consisting of 75 landslide sites, three subsidence points, and 16 bridges and culverts.

Since the earthquake's onset, Hanggodo instructed the NTT regional agency to enhance preparedness and provide full support for post-disaster handling. He emphasized the importance of personnel readiness, heavy equipment, and coordination with local governments to ensure swift infrastructure restoration.

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Personnel readiness, heavy equipment, and coordination with local governments are crucial to ensure that affected infrastructure can be restored immediately.

For landslides obstructing roadways, teams are clearing debris and securing the areas to maintain traffic flow. Locations with potential for further landslides or structural damage are slated for permanent repair solutions. For instance, on the Ruteng–Reo–Kedindi route, rockfall has been cleared, and measures like rock bolts, wire mesh, and rockfall barriers are being installed to prevent future slides. Traffic on this route remains functional in both directions. Similar work is ongoing on the Ruteng–Km 210 and Km 210–Batas Kabupaten Manggarai routes.

In the Ende region, repairs are being conducted on several sections of roads, including Aegela–Batas Kota Ende, Batas Kota Ende–Detusoko, Junction–Wolowaru, and Wolowaru–Lianunu. Landslide debris has been cleared, damaged shoulders reinforced, and permanent solutions like retaining walls, shotcrete, protective netting, and drainage systems are being prepared. The Ministry of Public Works confirms that the 15 affected national road sections are generally functional, ensuring the continued smooth transit of vehicles, including logistics and fuel distribution.

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The Ministry of Public Works ensures that the condition of 15 national road sections affected by the earthquake remains generally functional. Vehicle traffic, including the distribution of logistics and fuel, is also proceeding smoothly.