Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesian police search-and-rescue personnel held a trauma-relief session on Sunday (August 23) for children affected by a 7.7-magnitude earthquake at an evacuation center in Manggarai District, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province.
The activity was part of efforts to help restore the psychological well-being of disaster victims, the NTT Police’s Mobile Brigade Corps’ Search-and-Rescue Task Force Commander Hasripuddin said in a press statement.
“After a disaster, children need attention and support to maintain their spirits and feel safe again. We aim to create a positive environment while providing education and motivation,” Hasripuddin said.
He said post-disaster response should address not only evacuations and basic aid but also victims’ mental recovery, particularly children in evacuation centers.
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Residents and parents welcomed the activity, while evacuated children enthusiastically participated in interactive support sessions led by police personnel.
“Seeing children smile and regain their enthusiasm is an important part of recovery. We will continue working together to support affected communities,” he said.
The activity began at 9 a.m. local time and was led by First Inspector Roy Ronaldo Dansu, commander of the police search-and-rescue task force company. Ten personnel were deployed to provide educational and motivational support to children among the evacuees.
East Nusa Tenggara was struck by a magnitude 7.7 earthquake on August 15, killing 75 people and damaging many buildings, including 1,378 schools on Flores Island.
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Translator: Ilham K, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Fransiska Ninditya
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