Ternate, N Maluku (ANTARA) - The North Maluku Disaster Management Joint Team distributed logistical assistance to victims of the South Halmahera earthquake through air and sea routes to expedite the delivery of logistics aid to remote areas.

Coordinator of South Halmahera Disaster Management Colonel Inf Endro Sutoto stated in Ternate on Saturday that the joint team mobilized its resources to reach the location of the disaster victims.

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In fact, BNPB's two helicopters have been deployed to drop logistics, and currently, the KLM Babu Assalam is en voyage to reach locations on the coast along the island of South Halmahera.

He pointed to difficulties in transportation access to distribute logistics, especially on land routes, being hindered owing to the dismal condition of several bridges.

"Hence, the Disaster Management Task Force distributes logistics through all means of transportation that can be used. A dozen trucks have been dispatched to reach villages. Moreover, we use two Dolphine helicopters and BNPB MI-8 for transporting logistics to areas," Sutoto who is the Ternate Military Area Commander said.

Sutoto added that the joint team also distributed aid by sea aboard KLM Babu Assalam to reach the coastal areas.

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Meanwhile, in order to offer optimal assistance, the natural disaster management team, led by Ternate Mecial Detachment Lieutenant Colonel Ckm Satria Joni, took stock of the situation by visiting and conducting health services at refugee camps.

In Balitata Village, Gane Barat Sub-district, a team of five medical personnel provided health check-ups and medication for children, as they are highly susceptible to contracting diseases.

In the meantime, Lieutenant Colonel Ckm Satria Joni revealed that as part of the response to handling the natural disaster, they had coordinated with various parties, both from the Health Office and volunteers.

"We offer health services for 1x24 hours. Moreover, we visit refugee camps to check whether health services are running optimally," he stated.

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Translator: Abdul Fatah/Eliswan Azly
Editor: Sri Haryati
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