Distributing Aid to Drought Disaster Victims in Puncak District Has Been Constrained by KKB Disruptions in Papua
Ilaga – The distribution of natural disaster aid in the form of drought in Agandugume and Lambewi Districts, Puncak Regency, Central Papua was hampered by the hostage of Susi Air Pilot Philips Mark Methrtens by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB).
Puncak Regent Willem Wandik stated that aid distribution in the two districts could not be carried out by air because the situation was not conducive.
“We have built the airport in Agandugume and have tarmac. We have to bring the aid to Agandugume but due to recent times the impact of the pilots who were captured in Ndugama has had an impact on Agandugume.”
“And there was also a plane that was shot and this traumatized the pilot and airline,” he said, Saturday (22/7/2023).
His party also set up the main aid post in the Sinak District. Through the integrated disaster prevention team that has been formed, aid will be carried by a number of young people on foot for one day.
“All the assistance that has arrived at Sinak will be distributed, Sinak will be the entrance and the command post. For the location from Sinak if young people can walk for one day or two days for parents. The condition of the road, part of the road has been built, you can use a motorbike and then walk, “he explained.
Willem stated that currently as many as 7,000 residents affected by the drought have fled. They fled to Sinak, Ilaga, Timika and Nabire Districts.
Thousands of residents had to flee because of extreme weather conditions where the weather was very cold, there was no rain, causing damaged and rotting crops.
This condition is exacerbated when people eat, their stomachs get sick and they get diarrhea. The temperature can reach minus nine degrees, whereas in normal conditions the temperature only reaches plus four degrees.
“Right now the most needed food. We don’t know if the incoming cargo planes are safe or not, this is the question, there are airlines that have not been able to enter there to this day,” he said.
He also hopes that local governments or aid distributors can send their aid directly to Sinak District, Pucak Regency, not in Timika.
“Our hope as the government can anyone to help each other. I officially announce that aid can be sent directly to Sinak, not just to Timika,” he hoped.
