INDONESIA MOVES 14 ACEH REGENCIES INTO EMERGENCY TRANSITION PHASE

JAKARTA, Jan 10 (Bernama) -- Indonesia’s disaster authorities said 14 regencies in Aceh have entered the emergency transition phase, marking progress in post-disaster recovery following floods and landslides late last year.

The National Agency for Disaster Management (BNPB) said four regencies — Central Aceh, Gayo Lues, Aceh Tamiang and Pidie Jaya — remain under emergency response, with the status extended as recovery work continues.

“These are areas where we are still prioritising the restoration of land access routes, as well as the distribution of logistics to communities located far from district and city command posts,” he said in a statement.

BNPB data showed that North Sumatra and West Sumatra were also struck by floods and landslides in late November last year, leaving 1,178 people dead and displacing more than 238,500 others.

At the provincial level, Abdul Muhari said, Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf had extended the province’s emergency response status for another 14 days until Jan 22, allowing search and rescue (SAR) operation for victims to continue. 

Meanwhile, in North Sumatra and West Sumatra, Abdul Muhari said both provinces have moved into the emergency transition phase and concluded the SAR operation for victims.

However, he said SAR teams remain on standby should new reports from the public emerge.

-- BERNAMA