Indonesia Converts Seawater for Quake-Hit Palue Island as Pertamina Runs Free Clinic
Indonesian authorities are accelerating clean water and sanitation recovery on Palue Island while a state energy company operates a 24-hour free medical clinic for victims of the August 15 earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara.
Indonesia Accelerates Clean Water Restoration on Palue Island
Indonesia's Ministry of Public Works is stepping up efforts to restore access to clean water and sanitation for earthquake-affected communities in Palue Island, Sikka District, East Nusa Tenggara. [4] The ministry is exploring technological solutions by partnering with the National Research and Innovation Agency to convert seawater into freshwater as a clean water solution for Palue Island residents. [4] Minister of Public Works Dody Hanggodo said the Public Works Ministry has been exploring technological possibilities to convert seawater into freshwater as a clean water solution for Palue Island residents during a coordination meeting on earthquake relief in Sikka District. [4] Hanggodo added that the challenge of providing clean water on the island requires special handling because the island's relatively small size and the presence of an active volcano make finding clean water sources difficult. [4] He pointed out that it is not a very large island and there is a fairly active volcano, so it would be hard to find a clean water source. [4] Damage to clean water infrastructure is one of the most significant post-disaster impacts in Sikka, and the ministry is focusing on these issues to support recovery. [4]
Extent of Damage to Water and Sanitation Infrastructure
Out of 495 water infrastructure units affected in Sikka District, 481 sustained heavy damage. [4] The damage in Palue Sub-district was largely concentrated on rainwater harvesting tanks owned by residents. [4] In addition to clean water infrastructure, 371 sanitation facilities were damaged, and of that number 302 units primarily communal sanitation facilities owned by the residents sustained heavy damage. [4] Minor to moderate damage to public water company infrastructure has already been repaired. [4] Data compiled by the Ministry of Public Works and the Sikka District Government shows that basic services suffered the worst damage from the earthquake which struck on August 15. [4] Hanggodo affirmed accelerating the recovery of basic infrastructure aligns with directives to ensure disaster-affected communities can get back on their feet and resume normal lives. [4]
Indonesian officials discuss seawater conversion technology to restore clean water on quake-hit Palue Island. — Source: antaranews
Pertamina Opens 24-Hour Free Medical Clinic
PT Pertamina Patra Niaga has opened a free 24-hour medical clinic for residents affected by an earthquake at Golo Conggo Field in Reok, Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara. [5] Pertamina Patra Niaga Corporate Secretary Roberth M.V. Dumatubun said the clinic reflects the company’s commitment to maintaining healthcare access for disaster-affected residents. [5] Established on August 21, the clinic operates around the clock for disaster victims and residents near the evacuation site. [5] The clinic also provides inpatient care for residents requiring further medical treatment. [5] Pertamina’s medical team is working with Indonesia Healthcare Corporation and local health workers to provide care for residents. [5] Roberth said the rapid response addressed urgent needs among victims, particularly illnesses emerging after the disaster. [5] The clinic has professional medical teams comprising doctors, nurses, and pharmaceutical logistics staff. [5] Roberth said after an earthquake basic needs such as healthcare become a top priority and this free clinic is Pertamina Patra Niaga’s concrete effort to serve residents directly. [5] Pertamina aims to ensure the residents remain healthy throughout the recovery period. [5]
Patient Care and Common Ailments Reported
An Indonesia Healthcare Corporation physician at the clinic said it had treated more than 200 Reok residents since opening. [5] Reported ailments have included upper respiratory infections, fever, stomach problems, and back pain. [5] The medical staff had so far been able to treat all reported complaints effectively. [5] One day the clinic treated about 150 patients from morning through afternoon and all complaints were handled well. [5] Reok resident Yesi Dwi who evacuated after the earthquake visited the clinic with a sore throat and pain extending from her neck to her lower back. [5] Beyond physical ailments medical workers are also monitoring the mental health of evacuees Yesi said. [5] She added the service is very good and the doctor was friendly and attentive when she asked questions. [5] Another quake-affected resident Nanang Kasim sought treatment for fever phlegmy cough and high blood pressure. [5] He was grateful for the free healthcare and said he hopes this clinic helps all residents with their health needs especially toddlers and elderly people. [5]
Alignment With National Recovery Priorities
The recovery efforts align with President Prabowo Subianto's directives to help communities resume normal lives. [4] Minor to moderate damage to public water company infrastructure has already been repaired as part of these efforts. [4] Hanggodo affirmed accelerating the recovery of basic infrastructure aligns with President Prabowo Subianto's directives to ensure disaster-affected communities can get back on their feet and resume normal lives. [4] The clinic reflects the company’s commitment to maintaining healthcare access for disaster-affected residents as a concrete effort to serve residents directly during recovery. [5] Pertamina aims to ensure the residents remain healthy throughout the recovery period in line with broader national priorities. [5]
Other Recent Seismic Activity and Recovery Pledges
Separate minor earthquakes of M2.8 and M2.7 struck near Toms Place and Walker in California. [1] [2] A magnitude 2.8 earthquake occurred at a depth of 2.0 km 19 km SW of Toms Place CA. [1] A magnitude 2.7 earthquake occurred at a depth of 6.1 km 4 km W of Walker CA. [2] Italy's Prime Minister pledged to help rebuild Amatrice ten years after a deadly earthquake. [3] Meloni pledges to help Amatrice rebuild ten years after earthquake as part of the latest news roundup. [3]
What to watch next is continued coordination on water infrastructure repairs in Sikka District and ongoing operation of the free clinic to address health needs including mental health monitoring for evacuees.
