I also understand the grief of our brothers and sisters bearing the brunt of the disasters
Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) instructed his staff to act promptly in handling the victims and impacts of flash floods and landslides that struck East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), killing at least 62 on Sunday.

"I have ordered the head of BNPB (National Disaster Mitigation Agency), head of Basarnas (National Search and Rescue Agency), minister of social affairs, minister of health, and minister of PUPR (Public Works and Public Housing) as well as commander of the TNI (Indonesian Defense Forces) and chief of the National Police to immediately evacuate disaster victims and handle the impact of disasters," the head of state noted in a video message here on Monday.

On the occasion, President Jokowi expressed deep condolences over the loss of lives in the flash floods and landslides in the provinces of NTT and West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).

"I also understand the grief of our brothers and sisters bearing the brunt of the disasters," he stated.

The head of state urged the people to diligently abide by the instructions of officials at the disaster sites. The public is also urged to step up vigil against floods and landslides owing to the extreme rainfall.

"Always pay attention to early warnings from the BMKG (Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency) and local authorities," he stated.

Several villages in NTT and NTB were earlier hit by flash floods and landslides on Sunday (Apr 4) after unremitting torrential rains hit the areas.

In NTT, flash floods and landslides devastated Nelelamadike in Ile Boleng Sub-district, Waiwerang and Waiburak Village in East Adonara Sub-district, Oyang Barang and Pandai in Wotan Ulumado Sub-district, and Waiwadan and Duwanur in West Adonara Sub-district.

Meanwhile, in NTB, floods affected the districts of Bima and Dompu.

Related news: District government confirms 62 deaths in Flores Timur's flash floods

Related news: BNPB chief observes devastation by landslide, flooding in East Flores

Translator: Indra A P, Fardah
Editor: Gusti Nur Cahya Aryani
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