President Jokowi Visits Disaster-Hit Areas in E. Nusa Tenggara
President Jokowi listens to an explanation regarding flash floods in Lembata, East Nusa Tenggara province, Friday (09/04). Photo by: BPMI/Laily Rachev
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Friday (09/04) paid a working visit to East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) province to inspect post-disaster relief operation in the region.
The President arrived at Frans Seda Airport, Sikka Regency, at 09.38 a.m. Central Indonesia Time and was greeted by the Governor of NTT Viktor Laiskodat.
At 09.50, the President, accompanied by Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, and the NTT Governor flew to Wonopito Airport, Lembata Regency.
Arriving at Wunopito Airport, Lembata at 10:40 Central Indonesia Time, President Jokowi was greeted by Lembata Regent Eliaser Yentji Sunur.
In the airport waiting room, the President listened to the Lembata Regent’s explanation regarding the disaster that hit the area.
Afterwards, the President and his entourage went to the disaster site in Amakaka Village, Ile Ape District, Lembata Regency.
For the record, the extreme weather caused by Seroja Tropical Cyclone has triggered flash floods and landslides in the provinces of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
Post-disaster relief measures have been taken by Central and Regional governments after the disaster.
In a virtual Limited Cabinet Meeting on Tuesday (06/04), President Jokowi has ordered related Government institutions to speed up the process of evacuation, searching and rescuing victims who have not been found; ensure the availability of health services and medical assistance needed by the victims; fulfill the needs of the affected residents; as well as accelerate the repair of supporting infrastructure damaged by the disaster.
The President also ordered related Government institutions to be ready for potential disasters that may occur due to extreme weather in various regions in Indonesia.
“I order the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) to intensify warnings of extreme weather due to Tropical Cyclone Seroja. Make sure that all heads of regions and the public can access and monitor the forecast of weather and climate issued by the BMKG. They must be aware of everything, so the public can be more alert and vigilant to prepare for the risks, including strong winds, floods, flash floods, and landslides,” the President said. (BPMI/UN) (RI/MMB)
