jokowi Calls for Prompt Measures to Tackle Natural Disasters in NTB, NTT

Jakarta: Following flash floods and landslides that hit the Indonesian eastern provinces of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) last week, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has ordered his administration to tackle the disasters promptly and appropriately.

"I have ordered Chief of the National Disaster Mitigation Board, Chief of the National Search and Rescue Agency, Minister of Social Affairs, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing, Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces, and Chief of the Indonesian National Police to quickly carry out evacuation and handle those affected by the disasters," the President said in his press statement at Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Monday, as  quoted from the Cabinet Secretariat's website.



President Jokowi also ordered that the handling be carried out quickly and well, including in terms of providing healthcare assistance, logistics needs, basic needs, as well as infrastructure repair.

On that occasion, the Head of State also expressed his condolences and sympathies for the residents affected by flash floods and landslides that hit the two provinces.

The President also urged the public to follow the instructions given by officers on the ground, including emergency announcement from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) and to continue to raise awareness against potential disasters such floods and landslides that may occur following the spike in extreme rainfall.

The BMKG has reported the potential for extreme weather predicted to occur this week in the forms of heavy rains, strong winds, and high waves across Indonesia.

(WAH)