Indonesia responds swiftly to powerful NTT earthquake

Indonesia's government is swiftly addressing the aftermath of a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck the eastern province of Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) early Saturday. The quake, centered near Mbay in Nagekeo Regency, has caused significant damage and loss of life. As of Saturday afternoon, preliminary reports indicate 38 people have died, two are severely injured, and 11 have sustained minor injuries. Hundreds of homes, public facilities, health centers, and a hospital in Mbay and Maumere have been damaged, forcing approximately 2,000 residents to evacuate their homes independently. Budiman Sudjatmiko, head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), conveyed deep condolences to the victims' families. He stated that President Prabowo Subianto has directed all ministries, agencies, the military, and the police to act quickly and cohesively in managing the disaster. "The government is not standing idly by. President Prabowo Subianto has instructed all levels of ministries, agencies, the TNI, and Polri to move quickly and simultaneously," Sudjatmiko said. A joint SAR team comprising 281 personnel from the military, police, local disaster management agencies, the Red Cross, and other rescue potentials is actively involved in the rescue and recovery efforts. The team has evacuated 79 affected individuals and is searching for one person reported missing and buried. The Ministry of Social Affairs has also mobilized approximately Rp4.5 billion in aid, including ready-to-eat meals, tents, blankets, mattresses, family kits, and communal kitchen equipment. Additionally, President Prabowo has ordered the delivery of 50,000 staple food packages for those affected by the disaster.

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On behalf of the government and all the coordinated agencies, I express my deepest condolences to all the victims' families.