Those Affected by the Earthquake in Indonesia React to the Delay in Aid

In the small town of Mbay in Nagekeo administrative unit, the region closest to the epicenter, many residents stayed in makeshift tents they set up with tarpaulins and poles. "Our houses are no longer habitable, many have collapsed and are full of cracks, so we can't go inside anymore. We only visit our houses to buy water, clothes and pillows, and then we spend the nights here," Junaidin, a 32-year-old Mbay resident, told AFP in front of a self-made tent that sheltered about 30 people. Many residents of Flores carry traumatic memories of another 7.7-magnitude earthquake that hit the island in 1992, triggering a tsunami and killing nearly 2,500 people. Junaidin, who uses one name like most Indonesians, reacted to the delay in aid reaching them while the country was celebrating Independence Day with ceremonies in the capital Jakarta. Junaidin said, "We are left here on our own. As for the help from the government, nothing has arrived; no tents, no medicine, no food, no drinking water, nothing. Please open your eyes, government officials. We are your people, a part of you. So please take care of us." Indonesian Air Force announced that 13 tons of emergency aid supplies were airlifted by two Hercules transport planes and a Boeing. Helicopters were also dispatched to directly deliver emergency aid supplies to earthquake victims in isolated communities, state news agency Antara reported, citing the Al Tari Air Base Commander in Kupang. It was noted that the aid provided included food, clothing, clean water and emergency medical equipment, and the army assigned personnel to support aid efforts at the main distribution centers. For the people of the region, this aid did not arrive quickly enough. Siti Saudah Daso, a 31-year-old Mbay resident and mother of three children, said, "We ran away without taking anything. We only had the clothes on us. We are victims; we are experiencing a disaster. They said they would give us something, but there is no action. So, to be honest, we are a little hurt and disappointed." Search and rescue official Fathur Rahman told AFP on Monday morning that teams are continuing to search for survivors in the affected area and said: "We are carrying out operations from land and air with helicopters. There has been no report of missing persons, but we continue to scan the area just to be sure."