"We have recorded a decline in the number of residents remaining in evacuation shelters, from 154,973 to 135,696," Head of BNPB's Center for Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Abdul Muhari noted in a statement cited here on Monday.
He explained that the latest figure was largely driven by Aceh Tamiang District, where 19,988 people either returned home or moved into government-built temporary housing units, while Nagan Raya District recorded an increase of 711 evacuees.
Through its cross-institution disaster response team, he added, the government has taken measures to accelerate recovery, including building temporary housing, clearing and reopening damaged roads and bridges, and rehabilitating affected residential areas.
Muhari emphasized that the team includes personnel from the military, police, ministries, state agencies, and local governments working together to restore districts and cities in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra provinces.
“The government will continue to coordinate across sectors to ensure the safety of disaster-affected residents and speed up the transition from emergency response to initial recovery,” he added.
BNPB has not recorded any further increase in fatalities or missing persons.
“The disasters claimed a total of 1,999 lives and left 144 others missing,” he reported.
Earlier, Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo said it may take the government up to three years to complete recovery in the affected regions.
“Although recovery efforts could be completed in as little as two years, our ministry proposed a three-year restoration plan to the National Development Planning Agency,” he stated on January 16.
Hanggodo explained that the projected timeframe reflects the extensive construction and repair works needed for vital infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and water sources.
“Some physical works are not intended to be completed quickly,” he noted.
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Translator: Tri M, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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