Our logistical (aid) shipment is hindered by the weather.
Natuna, Riau Islands (ANTARA) - The Social Affairs Ministry has dispatched three batches of logistical assistance worth Rp862.36 million (US$55,581.66) for the victims of the landslides that struck Serasan Island, Natuna district, Riau Islands province, earlier this week.

The landslides were recorded in Serasan and East Serasan sub-districts on Monday (March 6, 2023).

However, the delivery of some of the aid was hampered by inclement weather, Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini said at the Payak village refugee camp, East Serasan sub-district, here on Friday.

"Our logistical (aid) shipment is hindered by the weather. Some (of the assistance) had just reached West Kalimantan province. We are attempting to make it arrive at Serasan as soon as possible," she added.

The first batch of the aid, worth Rp478.57 million (US$30,845.26), was sent on March 7 by sea through the Surabaya (East Java province) - Pontianak (West Kalimantan province) - Serasan (Riau Islands province) route.

It comprised ready-to-eat food, child food, fried rice seasoning, kidswear, blankets, mattresses, baby clothing, adult clothing, roll-up tents, multipurpose tents, as well as portable generators.

The second batch of assistance -- including mattresses, child food, fast food, blankets, adult clothes, roll-up tents, family kits, kidswear, mattresses, and family tents -- was sent by the ministry’s Directorate of Social Protection for Natural Disaster Victims (PSKBA).

The second batch of aid was worth Rp140.38 million (US$9,047.91).

In addition, on March 8, the third batch of assistance was delivered by land through the Pontianak - Sambas (West Kalimantan province) - Serasan route.

It consisted of ready-to-eat food, child food, fried rice seasoning, kidswear, blankets, mattresses, baby clothes, and roll-up tents worth Rp243.41 million (US$15,688.5).

The Directorate of PSKBA also sent a number of personnel to help the local emergency response unit (Tagana) in carrying out a post-disaster assessment and distributing the emergency response assistance.

“The delivery of the aid depends on the available modes of transportation considering the (bad) weather conditions are still not improving," the minister said.

She assured that the needs of the affected community will be met. Emergency response officers have also established public kitchens and evacuation tents as well as provided psychosocial support services to achieve this end.

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Translator: Cherman, Uyu Liman
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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