Sikka, NTT (ANTARA) – Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has called for basic needs for earthquake-affected residents in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province to be prioritized, emphasizing the necessity of a rapid, integrated, and comprehensive post-disaster response.
“In emergency management, the safety of our citizens and the fulfillment of urgent needs must be the top priorities. No resident should be left without assistance, including those residing in hard-to-reach areas, such as mountainous settlements,” Gibran said on Thursday.
While inspecting damaged infrastructure in the province’s Sikka district, he urged all relevant officials to visit the disaster zones to ensure that relief efforts are executed effectively and any obstacles are swiftly addressed.
“I urge all regional heads and local leadership forum (Forkopimda) members to go directly to the field, ensuring every instruction is fully implemented without bureaucratic barriers,” Gibran said, adding that every obstacle must be identified and resolved immediately, with clear accountability and specific deadlines.
Gibran said he will report all the findings and challenges directly to the President.
Amid the ongoing recovery and response operations, Gibran also expressed his appreciation to all personnel and volunteers who have been assisting local communities since the disaster first struck.
He noted that a unified response and collaborative work among all agencies on the ground are vital to ensuring that affected communities receive the necessary aid and continuous support.
“I extend my deepest appreciation and gratitude to all personnel who have been on the ground helping the community since day one of the disaster,” he said.
The death toll from the major earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) has risen to 75 as of Thursday afternoon, the National Agency for Disaster Countermeasure (BNPB) reported.
In addition to the fatalities, the number of injured victims increased to 907, up by nine from the previous count of 898. All nine newly recorded injuries were reported in Ngada District.
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Translator: Prisca Triferna, Uyu Liman
Editor: Bayu Prasetyo
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