Hundreds Still Missing, Food Aid Delivered by Air and Sea

JAKARTA, KOMPAS - The number of residents from West Sumatra reported missing so far is the highest in the natural disaster in Sumatra. A total of 122 people are still being searched for, which is more than the number of residents declared dead, which stands at 95.

Based on data released by the National Search and Rescue Agency or Basarnas on Sunday (30/11/225) afternoon, hundreds of people are still being searched for in West Sumatra, North Sumatra, and Aceh.

"The search was conducted by land, water and air," said Basarnas Chief Air Marshal Mohammad Syafii, Sunday.

In West Sumatra, for example, 122 residents are still missing, while 95 have died.

In North Sumatra, there are 83 individuals reported missing. Meanwhile, 134 individuals have been declared deceased. In Aceh, 57 individuals are still reported missing. So far, there are 70 recorded fatalities.

In addition to searching for those reported missing, Syafii stated that the evacuation process is also ongoing. So far, in Aceh, 1,114 people have been evacuated, North Sumatra (2,945), and West Sumatra has the highest number with 29,404 people.

Meanwhile, the Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Lieutenant General Suharyanto stated that his agency, along with ministries and institutions, has deployed various main weapon system tools (alutsista), including five helicopters. The helicopters are stationed at Silangit Airport for the distribution of logistics to Central Tapanuli and other isolated areas.

BNPB helicopters, TNI AD Bell 412EPI helicopters, MI-17V5 and private partner assistance helicopters have been actively operating to support aid distribution.

"In addition, the Cessna Caravan aircraft is also used for logistics and personnel delivery," he said.

In addition to air transport, assistance was also sent via sea. For instance, on Sunday, logistical support and equipment for various regions in Aceh were dispatched through maritime routes.

The Head of the Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Center of BNPB, Abdul Muhari, stated that the aid was dispatched from the Ulee Lheue Port in Banda Aceh using the Express Bahari ship. The total aid weighs 27 tons.

The plan is for this maritime assistance to reach five regions. In addition to Lhokseumawe, the aid will be distributed to North Aceh, East Aceh, Langsa City, and Aceh Tamiang.

For the North Aceh region and Lhokseumawe, assistance will arrive at Krengkuku Port. Meanwhile, assistance at Kuala Langsa Port will reach the city of Langsa, East Aceh, and Aceh Tamiang.

"The aid includes food, mosquito nets, Starlink units, and even sanitary napkins. There are also family tents, rice, and even boats," said Muhari.