NTT earthquake death figures prompt calls for investigation
According to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), at least 94 people of the total 142 casualties recorded after the 7.7-magnitude earthquake jolting Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) died in evacuation shelters after the disaster.
At least 94 people out of 142 casualties following the 7.7-magnitude earthquake on Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara died in evacuation shelters, according to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB). This figure, nearly double the number killed directly by the disaster, has sparked criticism and calls for an independent investigation into the government's response to the crisis.
The BNPB reported that 48 individuals were killed directly by the earthquake, while 94 died while taking shelter. The remaining 46,461 evacuees have since been reduced to 46,461, as of Tuesday. The majority of the deceased were elderly residents with pre-existing chronic illnesses, such as strokes and diabetes, who succumbed to complications after the disaster.
Despite the agency's efforts to provide medical aid, medicines, and essential equipment to evacuees in both centralized and communal shelters, critics argue that the handling of the crisis needs a thorough examination.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
