BNPB launches Media Center for verified NTT quake updates

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2 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has activated its official Media Center to provide transparent and integrated updates on the impact of the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

BNPB Head Suharyanto said in a statement on Sunday that the Media Center aims to provide regular updates and help prevent the spread of misinformation among the public.

“Starting today, every afternoon at 5:00 p.m. Central Indonesian Time (WITA), the Media Center will provide daily information. We hope to minimize the conflicting information that often occurs on the ground by providing official information every afternoon,” he said.

According to Suharyanto, the speed and accuracy of information were among the priorities discussed during a coordination meeting with ministries and government institutions (K/L) and regional governments at the West Manggarai District Office in NTT.

BNPB hopes the channel will serve as a reliable source of verified information for the media and the public throughout the emergency response period.

Suharyanto said he would also directly oversee the Main National Assistance Post in Labuan Bajo and the Tactical Post in Maumere.

The division of the two operational areas is intended to ensure rapid, targeted, and comprehensive coverage across affected districts in western and eastern Flores, he added.

“We established the first National Provincial Assistance Post, headquartered here in Labuan Bajo. Then, due to the vast area, we also opened a post in Maumere to serve Sikka, Nagekeo, and Ngada,” he explained.

A magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara, on Saturday (Aug. 15), forcing more than 5,000 people to evacuate. The disaster also claimed 47 lives and caused extensive damage to buildings.

On Sunday, BNPB cleared roads blocked by landslides caused by the earthquake, allowing search and rescue teams to expand their operations.

Restoring road access is also crucial to accelerating the delivery of medical supplies and reaching survivors in remote areas who require emergency assistance.