"Using the method of Damage and Loss Assessment (DaLa), we calculated the losses that alms beneficiaries suffered from owing to the eruption disaster to reach Rp310 billion," Baznas' Center of Strategic Studies Director Muhammad, Hasbi Zaenal, noted in a written statement here on Monday.
Zaenal remarked that the public facilities and infrastructure comprised public buildings; bridges; electricity networks; clean water resources; public bathing, washing, and toilet facilities (MCK); public trade facilities; environment roads; fields; and permanent talud wall.
Zaenal noted that in order to help the impacted residents, Baznas had deployed 14 personnel from the Baznas Disaster Response (BTB), doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and volunteers to build health and treatment mobile posts.
He affirmed that Baznas will always be present to assist the victims of the Mount Semeru eruption, right from the evacuation process to the post-disaster recovery phase. In the initial assessment, Baznas stated that the residents needed temporary shelter and hygienic water sanitation facilities in addition to food and medicines.
"This certainly needs support from alms institutions to help the post-eruption recovery," he explained.
Related news: Bank Mandiri provides aid to victims of Mount Semeru eruption
Meanwhile, Baznas Head Noor Achmad has forecast that the number of poor communities in Lumajang District would increase due to the impact of the Semeru eruption.
Based on Baznas' integrated data, the number of people living in poverty in eight villages of Lumajang District had reached 20,935 prior to the eruption.
"We obtained this data before the eruption. We forecast a rise in poverty post-eruption, and this is our task, as the alms agency, to serve them," Achmad explained.
According to Achmad, Baznas will make all-out efforts to help those impacted by the eruption. He affirmed that Baznas had sent a team from the alms agency disaster response (BTB) and its health center (RSB).
Related news: 15 killed in Mount Semeru eruption: BNPB
Translator: Asep F, Kenzu T
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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