Indonesian Police Send 100 Brimob Personnel to Aid Flores Earthquake Rescue

In response to the devastating earthquake on Flores island, Indonesia's National Police are mobilizing a substantial force to assist in rescue and recovery operations. A joint assistance unit, comprising 100 Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel from the Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob), is being deployed to the affected region.

The contingent also includes six medical personnel and doctors, three Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) specialists, three logistics staff, and a trauma healing team from the National Police Psychology Bureau. Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir, Head of the National Police Public Relations Division, stated that the deployment is being conducted in stages based on field requirements.

"We are preparing our full force in stages, based on needs in the field," Isir said. The personnel will be equipped with SAR support and equipment to aid in the search for victims. K9 units are also being prepared for deployment in later phases to assist in locating individuals trapped in collapsed structures.

Logistical support is also being arranged, including 10 platoon-sized tents, portable Wi-Fi units, and 240 cartons of instant food supplies, which will be transported via a National Police aircraft. However, efforts to gather accurate data on casualties and damage are being hampered by communication network disruptions in parts of Flores. As of Saturday afternoon, the National Agency for Disaster Countermeasure (BNPB) reported 14 fatalities, two serious injuries, and 11 minor injuries.

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We are preparing our full force in stages, based on needs in the field.