Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) facilitated a medical air evacuation for a 75-year-old man named Yohanis Riba, injured by collapsing debris during a 7.7-magnitude earthquake more than a week ago in East Nusa Tenggara.
BNPB’s Acting Chief on Data, Information, and Disaster Communications, Berton S.P. Panjaitan, said here on Monday the cross-regional evacuation reflected efforts to provide inclusive emergency assistance, particularly for remote island communities.
“The evacuation prioritised speed and patient safety, so survivors could receive more appropriate medical care,” he said.
He added that Riba, a resident of Nitunhlea village on Palue island, suffered serious injuries and bruising to both legs while trying to escape the earthquake.
After receiving initial treatment at a local health facility, his condition required referral to a hospital with more advanced medical facilities.
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In expediting his transfer from the remote island, BNPB and police deployed a helicopter from BNPB’s national support post at Frans Seda Airport in Maumere on Sunday (August 23).
Upon arriving in Maumere, Yohanis was immediately referred to T.C. Hillers Regional General Hospital for intensive treatment by specialist medical teams.
Berton said cooperation among BNPB, the military, police, healthcare workers and volunteers would be strengthened to ensure disaster victims’ needs are addressed quickly, appropriately, and humanely.
“Mutual cooperation is our shared strength in helping survivors through difficult times and gradually return to better lives,” Berton said.
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Translator: M.Riezko BEP, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Fransiska Ninditya
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