"We provide the equipment at several locations. Several regional military commands have also deployed reverse osmosis water purification vehicles," the Head of the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) Headquarters Information Center, Major General Freddy Ardianzah, remarked at a press conference at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, on Friday.
He explained that the contaminated water in the flooded areas will be treated with reverse osmosis machines to remove bacteria and other harmful substances.
Once the water treatment process is complete, the water will be declared clean and fit for consumption.
"Floodwater and standing water can be processed into drinkable water. This way, it's free from bacteria, salt, heavy metals, and other potential health hazards," he conveyed.
He confirmed that the machines have been deployed to several flood-affected areas. However, he did not detail the number of machines deployed or their locations.
In addition to deploying these machines, TNI soldiers will continue to send other logistical assistance, including medicine, food, clothing, blankets, tents, and baby supplies, to meet the needs of flood victims.
Floods and landslides recently struck Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra following high-intensity rainfall.
The respective provincial governments have declared emergency response status, effective from November 28 to December 11 in Aceh, November 27 to December 10 in North Sumatra, and November 25 to December 8 in West Sumatra.
According to data from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), as of December 5, the death toll from the disasters reached 883, and 520 people remained missing.
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Translator: Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Arie Novarina
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