Indonesia deploys 8,000 troops, 27 heavy equipment units for NTT earthquake relief

Indonesia's military (TNI) has mobilized a significant force of over 8,000 soldiers and 27 units of heavy weaponry and equipment to support relief efforts following a major earthquake in Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT). The deployment aims to assist affected communities and bolster disaster response operations in the region.

As of the ninth day after the magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Flores Island, the TNI has been actively involved in various aid distribution activities. They have delivered a total of 803.824 tons of aid to the affected population. This assistance has been channeled through land, sea, and air, with 159.22 tons moved by sea using naval vessels and 37.399 tons transported by air via Air Force planes on a single day.

In parallel, President Prabowo Subianto convened a high-level meeting at his residence to address critical national issues. The meeting focused on the ongoing response to the NTT earthquake and the escalating land and forest fires (karhutla) in Riau. The President was briefed on the progress of disaster relief operations and instructed on further support, particularly concerning air transportation of aid to affected areas. The TNI's coordinated efforts underscore the government's commitment to managing multiple crises simultaneously.