East OKU, S Sumatra (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs has set up emergency kitchens and distributed logistical aid to flood victims in East Ogan Komering Ulu District, South Sumatra.
Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf said on Friday that the assistance aims to ensure the basic needs of affected residents are met.
“Our teams on the ground are working continuously to distribute aid and set up emergency kitchens,” Yusuf said in a statement issued in East OKU.
Preliminary reports show that heavy rainfall from Wednesday night through Thursday morning caused the Muara Bala River to overflow, triggering floods in several sub-districts. Floodwaters inundated parts of Belitang III, Belitang, Belitang Mulya, and Semendawai Suku III sub-districts, with water levels ranging from one to two meters in some areas.
“Based on the latest data we have received, a total of 489 families have been affected by the floods,” the minister said.
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He noted that the aid being distributed includes 2,000 ready-to-eat meal packages, 1,000 children's meal packages, 500 family kits, 300 kidsware kits, 400 blankets, 800 mattresses, and 400 tarps.
"The logistical aid from the Ministry of Social Affairs for East OKU flood response is distributed through the warehouse of the South Sumatra Social Office. The logistics are sent today," he remarked.
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So far, floodwaters have begun to recede in some areas, even though residential neighborhoods located in low-lying basins remain submerged with a water level of 1 meter.
The minister affirmed that his ministry is continuing to coordinate with relevant agencies and local authorities to ensure public safety and to accelerate disaster recovery efforts in the district.
