BNPB confirmed that the service can be accessed at 0811-6164-5500, with reports sent via text message or WhatsApp (WA).
"Yes, that's right," said Abdul Muhari, Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, when contacted from Bandung, West Java, on Friday.
Muhari explained that the service was provided to support accelerated disaster management currently affecting several areas in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, especially in areas still facing communication challenges.
BNPB is prioritizing meeting the basic needs of affected residents, including access to communication, lighting, clean water, food, and shelter in evacuation centers during the emergency response period determined by the respective regional heads.
BNPB's second phase of assistance sends more logistics to Sibolga City and Central Tapanuli, providing each with a Starlink unit, a portable light tower, five refugee tents, 100 family tents, 20 field kitchen sets, 10 chainsaws, and 10 toolkits.
In addition, BNPB also distributed logistical assistance to the task force, including 500 blankets, 100 mattresses, 300 folding mattresses, 300 basic food packages, 300 ready-to-eat meal packages, and 300 hygiene kits.
Muhari stated that the additional logistics are expected to strengthen emergency response operations, especially in areas that remain difficult to reach due to infrastructure damage and extreme weather.
"We are ensuring that emergency response is running optimally," he said.
BNPB is monitoring daily disaster developments through coordination with local authorities and ministries, while Muhari noted that restoring communication and transport access remains a priority to speed up search and rescue operations.
BNPB reported that as of Friday afternoon (Nov 28), Aceh had six fatalities and 11 people missing, North Sumatra recorded 55 deaths and 45 missing, and West Sumatra reported nine fatalities.
"Data on missing victims is still being verified. Cumulatively, at least 70 people have died, and 56 others are still listed as missing due to the disaster in the three provinces," Muhari said.
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Translator: M Riezko Bima Elko Prasetyo, Cindy Frishanti Octav
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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