INDONESIAN POLICE DEPLOY OVER 87,000 PERSONNEL TO TACKLE POTENTIAL DISASTERS

JAKARTA, Nov 29 (Bernama-ANTARA) -- Indonesia’s National Police stated that 87,924 personnel have been placed on standby to address potential disasters, including in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, reported ANTARA news agency.

“The regional police are backed up by the (personnel from) National Police Headquarters and nearby regional police in an integrated manner,” National Police Head of Public Relations, Brigadier General Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko, said here on Saturday.

He said Aceh Police have deployed 4,550 personnel, North Sumatra Police 1,754 personnel, and West Sumatra Police 2,743 personnel.

This deployment followed a nationwide disaster preparedness routine held last month.

“Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo led the preparation routine last month, involving 155,000 personnel across Indonesia,” he noted.

In addition to personnel, the National Police also deployed several vessels and helicopters, including Police Vessels KP Kutilang 5005 and KP Pinguin 5011.

The Police also deployed K-9 SAR units to search for missing victims, he added.

“K-9 SAR is deployed when reports of missing victims emerge. This is based on field analysis, witness accounts on last known locations, and assessments of geographical and weather conditions at the time,” he said.

Moreover, he said, the Police have also set up public kitchens for disaster evacuees.

“There are 28 public kitchens operated by the Sabhara Corps to provide food supplies and basic necessities for affected communities,” Andiko said.

On Saturday morning, the Police sent food assistance, logistics, and rescue equipment to disaster-affected communities in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.

The aid was transported using two police aircraft, Fokker and CN, and included urgent supplies for vulnerable groups, particularly mothers and children.

In addition to logistics, the Police Medical and Health Centre also deployed medicines and medical teams.

-- BERNAMA-ANTARA