Speaking at a press conference in Banda Aceh, Ibnu Harris Al Hussain, Head of the Banda Aceh Basarnas, provided an update on the emergency response activities, now entering their 14th day.
"Since the disaster struck, Basarnas, alongside a joint operational team, has been systematically sweeping the affected areas to evacuate and rescue victims, including those trapped in their homes," Al Hussain stated.
He specified that the coordinated joint team, which includes personnel from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Police (Polri), volunteers, and local agencies, has safely evacuated 4,271 people.
The disaster has tragically claimed 389 lives, and search efforts are intensively focused on finding 62 people who remain missing in the area.
To manage the extensive disaster zone, approximately 400 Basarnas personnel are assigned to the immediate evacuation and management efforts, supported by an additional 2,000 personnel from the TNI and police.
To overcome significant logistical challenges, especially in reaching isolated inland areas, Basarnas is utilizing specialized equipment.
"We have deployed personnel to the central region, particularly Bener Meriah and Central Aceh, utilizing national BNPB (National Disaster Management Agency) aircraft, as land routes remain inaccessible due to damage," Al Hussain explained.
The agency is also employing advanced technology, including thermal drones, to expedite the search for victims in high-risk zones.
Current search and rescue (SAR) priorities are focused on river sweeping operations in several key locations, including the Peusangan and Peudada areas of Bireuen, Jambo Aye in North Aceh, and Aceh Tamiang, to ensure no survivors are left awaiting evacuation.
Related news: Aceh deploys elephants to clear flood debris in Pidie Jaya
Related news: Govt readies Rp75.9 bln fund for flood-affected students, lecturers
Translator: M Ifhdal, Cindy Frishanti Octavia
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
