BPBD distributes logistical assistance to Matasiri Island

Kotabaru BPBD distributes assistance to victims of landslides in Matasiri Island. (Antaranews Kalsel/photo special/ftr/imm)

There is logistical assistance, children's school equipment, also assistance from National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB),

Kotabaru, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The Kotabaru Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) distributed aid to victims of natural disasters on Matasiri Island, Pulau Sembilan Sub-district.

"There is logistical assistance, children's school equipment, also assistance from National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB)," said Acting Head of Kotabaru BPBD Rusian Ahmadi Jaya, who on Friday led the distribution of aid with several members and a number of Basarnas personnel from the Kotabaru SAR Post.

The group first moved by land to Teluk Tamiang Village, Pulau Laut Tanjung Selayar Sub-district, then continued by boat to Matasiri Island. They were forced to rent fishing boats, because the existing fleet did not support.

"We actually hope the KN SAR Laksamana ship belongs to the Basarnas, but it must be on the orders of the head of the central Basarnas and there was no answer," he said.

In addition to logistical assistance, the BPBD brought some manual equipment for post-disaster handling. Constraints on transportation facilities and difficult access to Matasiri Island made it impossible to mobilize heavy equipment. Also tents for refugees cannot be taken, because of their large size and no location to erect them on Matasiri Island.

"Our equipment is ready, but to bring it there is no way to use small vessels," he added.

Previously, landslides and flash floods hit two villages on Matasiri Island, namely Teluk Sungai Village and Labuan Barat Village.

Official data from Pulau Sembilan Sub-district recorded seven houses buried and three houses heavily damaged in Teluk Sungai Village, as well as three heavily damaged houses and two moderate damaged houses in Labuan Barat Village.

In addition, two people were missing in the name of Hamidah (25) and her daughter Dea (6 months). The search for mothers and baby was constrained by limited equipment and rainy weather.

Meanwhile, many residents of Matasiri Island were afraid of landslides and aftershocks, so they fled to ports and fishing vessels.