Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Alms Agency (Baznas) has set up an emergency command post on Sunday (Apr 28) in Bengkulu Province to offer assistance to those affected by flooding.

Baznas and its teams have established the command post in Jalan Sepakat Raya, Sawah Lebar, Bengkulu City, President Director of Baznas Arifin Purwakananta remarked in Jakarta on Monday.

Purwakananta noted that the command post served as a service center to aid the flood-affected victims in Bengkulu.

"The post functions as a service center and logistical aid warehouse from Baznas for the people. Furthermore, the post doubles up a command center for Baznas' disaster response team to offer services to society," he stated.

Since Saturday, the disaster response team has succeeded in evacuating flood victims and distributing assistance to refugees.

"Nonetheless, the distribution of aid was hindered owing to a road being flooded," he pointed out.

In the meantime, Baznas has stationed medical teams to cater to the requirements of refugees and maintain on standby ambulances for evacuation and emergency services.

Baznas has distributed food assistance in the form of a thousand fast food packs, hundred rice sacks, and 60 kilograms of beef to those affected in the Sawah Lebar area, Bengkulu, on Sunday.

Purwakananta remarked that the Government of Bengkulu had collaborated with a local social agency for supplying food to the flood-stricken people.

"Moreover, Baznas is presently readying additional aid for the flood victims," he added.

Translator: Anom P, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Sri Haryati
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