We have contacted the officers in Pasilambena sub-district; however, there has not been exact data on the refugees.
Makassar, S Sulawesi (ANTARA) - The Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) of Selayar Islands district, South Sulawesi province, reported that 5,511 families in two sub-districts were affected by the 7.4-magnitude earthquake in Flores Sea on Tuesday morning.

"According to the recent report, Pasilambena and Pasimarannu sub-districts are severely affected. Currently, the residents are still at refugee camps," head of the Selayar district BPBD, Ahmad Ansar, said here on Wednesday.

At least 3,353 families were affected by the quake in Pasarimarannu sub-district and 2,158 families in Pasilambena sub-district, he informed.

Meanwhile, the quake displaced 3,900 people in Pasimarannu sub-district, Ansar informed. Data on the number of people displaced by the quake in Pasilambena sub-district is still being collected, he added.

"We have contacted the officers in Pasilambena sub-district; however, there has been no exact data on the refugees. While in Pasimarannu sub-district, there are 17 refugee camps," he said.

Related news: 230 homes damaged in Flores Sea quake: BNPB

Regarding the communication networks in the affected areas, he said that there was no communication network in Garopa village and Garopa Raya village, Pasilambena sub-district.

“Hence, we only know that there are 37 refugee camps in Pasilambena sub-district, but there is no data on the number of the refugees,” he explained.

The Selayar district BPBD has continued to coordinate and communicate with related parties regarding disaster mitigation, especially since an emergency status has been declared in the district, he said.

The emergency status will be in force from December 14–27, 2021.

Meanwhile, head of the South Sulawesi Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), Djunaidi, said he has sent several personnel to assist the local rescue team and the affected communities in the evacuation process.

"Basarnas is always ready to provide assistance to disaster victims," he emphasized.

In addition, the South Sulawesi provincial BPBD has sent aid for mitigating the impact of the disaster in the Selayar Islands district, he added.
Related news: BNPB monitors condition of Larantuka quake-impacted regions
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Translator: Darwin Fatir, Uyu Liman
Editor: Suharto
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