Sukabumi, West Java (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Red Cross Society (PMI) is expediting the distribution of assistance for residents affected by the 5.6-magnitude earthquake in Cianjur District, West Java, Monday (November 21), in keeping with PMI Chairperson Jusuf Kalla's instruction.

"We urged volunteers involved in the humanitarian operation in Cianjur District to ensure that the PMI assistance distribution services proceed smoothly," Kalla stated after visiting a refugee camp in Nagrak Village, Cianjur, Wednesday.

During his visit to the disaster zone, Kalla encouraged residents to maintain health and observe the officials' instructions if aftershocks occur.

According to the PMI head, logistics for volunteers and residents had reached almost all regions affected by the earthquake.

The agency has distributed 200 blankets, 100 tarpaulin tents and three refugee tents, 800 health kits, 200 body bags, 150 baby kits, and 300 mattresses, he noted.

The PMI has also readied three transport trucks, 11 clean water tank trucks, 22 ambulance cars, one box truck, and three operational cars, he stated.

Related news: Cianjur quake: Death toll climbs to 268

While lauding volunteers always ready to help the government in assisting earthquake victims, Kalla urged them to constantly renew the data that will serve as the basis for assistance and service distribution.

"You must not be tired to help residents in the disaster zone. Maintain your focus and readiness, always prioritize safety and health, and remain unified in providing services for earthquake victims in Cianjur," the PMI head remarked.

The agency has dispatched at least 200 volunteers from various PMI branches in West Java and Jakarta. They have been assigned for logistics, sanitary and healthcare, psycho-social assistance, evacuation, clean water distribution, and data and information pooling duties, he remarked.

Earlier, the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BKMG) had reported that the 5.6-magnitude earthquake jolted the southwestern part of Cianjur District, West Java, at 1:21 p.m. local time (UTC +7) on Monday.

As of Tuesday (November 22) at 5 p.m. local time (UTC +7), the earthquake had caused 268 deaths -- of which 122 had been identified -- while 151 residents were missing.

Related news: Prioritizing refugee health in Cianjur quake handling: ministry
Related news: Cianjur earthquake: SAR continues search for 151 missing residents


Translator: Aditia Aulia R, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Suharto
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