The Indonesian government has established an integrated command post in East Nusa Tenggara to accelerate disaster response following a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the region, according to the Sekretariat Kabinet Republik Indonesia.
Emergency Command Post Established as Disaster Relief Mobilizes
The disaster hit nine regencies off Flores Island, killing almost 80 people and displacing nearly 100,000 residents. Survivors are now grappling with severe trauma, blocked roads, and relentless aftershocks.
Morning Chaos and Narrow Escapes in Sikka Regency
The earthquake struck at 6:45 a.m. local time. It caught many residents off guard as intense rumbling woke them up.
Carolus Winfridus, a resident who works for a local non-governmental organization in Maumere, Sikka regency, described the sudden chaos when wardrobe doors flew open and clothes scattered.
Because the earthquake happened early in the morning, the front door of his house remained locked. With the key knocked off a table onto the floor during the rattling, Winfridus and his family escaped by jumping through an open window.
Aftershocks Hamper Initial Survival Efforts
Field reports show that damage to residents’ houses remains widespread across the affected zone, as documented by ANTARA Foto.
Logistical Hurdles and Corporate Mobilization
Relief operations in remote parts of Flores have faced severe logistical hurdles due to blocked roads, power cuts, and ongoing aftershocks, according to local accounts.
To address the mounting crisis, the Indonesian government established an integrated command post to streamline aid distribution and coordinate emergency services, as reported by the Sekretariat Kabinet Republik Indonesia.
PPRO is participating in strengthening and restoring efforts for people affected by the NTT earthquake, according to VOI.id.
Refugee Camps Face Psychological Distress and Supply Shortages
Displaced families are crowding into refugee tents in areas like Manggarai.
These survivors continue to deal with lingering psychological distress and shortages of basic supplies, as detailed by Kompas.id and ucanews.com.