Kupang (ANTARA) - East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Governor, Melki Laka Lena, is requesting a helicopter from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) to reach 10 villages isolated by flash floods in Maupongo Sub-district, Nagekeo District, on Monday, September 8.

"I have called the BNPB to request helicopter assistance because we cannot get in without a helicopter. The road for the approximately four kilometers to the last point is completely impassable," Governor Lena told reporters in Kupang on Wednesday.

This was conveyed in connection with the handling of flash flood victims in Nagekeo District, which resulted in three deaths, four others still being searched for, and two others injured.

Lena added that the NTT Provincial Government had sent logistical aid to Nagekeo since Tuesday, September 9, which arrived on Wednesday, September 10, for distribution to the 10 isolated villages.

Initially, he said, only four to five villages were isolated, but a further inspection revealed that the number of isolated villages had increased to 10. Several villages were isolated because there was no road access to them.

"Unfortunately, they are difficult to reach because all access is blocked and roads are blocked, so we need helicopter support," said Lena.

He said the flash floods in the area caused both powerful water flow and landslides, which destroyed two bridges.

The Head of the NTT Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), Semuel Halundaka, said the search for four people is still ongoing.

Preliminary information indicates three people have died and four are missing, who are still being searched for by teams in the field. However, detailed data collection on the number of evacuees and damage to homes cannot be conducted because communication and electricity networks are still down.

"To this day, we have not been able to obtain definitive information because many infrastructure facilities are inaccessible. Electricity and communications have also been cut off," he said.

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