Jakarta Task Force Helps Ease Burden of West Pasaman Earthquake Survivors

The Jakarta Humanitarian Collaborative Task Force handed over equipment and logistics assistance to earthquake victims in Pasaman Regency, West Sumatra, on Sunday (3/6).

Therefore, we have mobilized skilled and experienced personnel to evacuate and demolish damaged buildings after disaster

It consisted of 20 types of goods, such as foam mattresses, bolsters, fans, velbeds, tarpaulin tents, mats, shovels, and logistics for their daily needs, including ready-to-eat foods.

The aid was received symbolically by Pasaman Regency Secretary, Mara Ondak; Pasaman Secretariat Assistant for Economic Development, Djoko Rifanto; and Pasaman BPBD Head, Alim Bazar.

Jakarta Task Force Distributes Aid to Isolated Village in West Pasaman

Jakarta BPBD Chief Executive, Isnawa Adji said the impact of the 6.1 magnitude earthquake in West Pasaman was also felt in Pasaman Regency.

According to data, he said that more than 3,000 evacuees spread across 11 refugee camps in Pasaman Regency as of March 6, 2022.

"We also sent aid to Pasaman Regency because the impact of the earthquake in West Pasaman was also felt in Pasaman Regency. Therefore, we sent a team to distribute aid here," he said as quoted from Jakarta PPID Press Release, on Monday (3/7).

On that occasion, the Jakarta Humanitarian Collaborative Task Force also checked the situation and distributed assistance to residents in Tigo Nagari Sub-district, Pasaman Regency.

Moreover, the Task Force also provided health services and carried out various activities to help earthquake survivors in the area.

"Administratively, we have handed over assistance to Pasaman Regency, so they will arrange the aid distribution to earthquake survivors in the area. But we also help speed up the distribution as well as provide services for people here," he mentioned.

Pasaman Secretariat Assistant for Economic Development, Djoko Rifanto appreciated the moral and material support given by Jakarta Government.

He assessed that the assistance was very meaningful for Pasaman residents who are being hit by disaster.

"We, from Pasaman Regency, would like to thank the Jakarta government and residents for providing assistance to Pasaman residents. It really heals the heart of Pasaman people who are grieving," he expressed.

Previously, 80 Task Force personnel evacuated building materials of collapsed houses in Nagari Kajai, West Sumatra, on Saturday (3/5).

In addition to evacuating debris, tens personnel also helped residents to dismantle their houses that were no longer fit for habitation. Although some houses are still standing, they were not suitable for habitation because most parts of the building had been damaged due to a 6.1 magnitude earthquake that hit the region on February 25, 2022.

Jakarta BPBD Head, Isnawa Adji explained, the process of evacuating debris and demolition of residents' houses was aimed to help residents to repair or rebuild their houses.

The personnel were equipped with folding shovels, bolt cutters, holigan tools, crowbars, pack hammers, and a tactical response kit (TRK). Personnel also demolished buildings that could potentially endanger the occupants.

"We also don't want to harm people. Therefore, we have mobilized skilled and experienced personnel to evacuate and demolish damaged buildings after a disaster. Moreover, our personnel are also supported with qualified equipment," he added.

Adreal (40), a resident of Pasa Lamo, Nagari Kajai appreciated the Task Force personnel. According to him, residents were afraid to dismantle their own house because the risk was high, such as being hit by a building, or even causing more damage to the house.

"Thank you to Jakarta Government and Jakarta residents who have helped us. The team has also helped us dismantle building materials for houses that have been destroyed. Because there are materials that can still be used for repair other houses," he conveyed.