EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, East Nusa Tenggara – The Central Board of ‘Aisyiyah, through the Department of Charity Management (Lazismu), has distributed aid to communities affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) with particular attention given to survivors with specific and urgent needs.
‘Aisyiyah President Salmah Orbayinah expressed her deep condolences over the disaster and said the organization continues to assess conditions on the ground through local ‘Aisyiyah boards and its affiliated institutions.
“‘Aisyiyah is deeply saddened by this disaster. Through the Lazismu of the Central Board of ‘Aisyiyah and the Environmental and Disaster Management Department, we are collecting data on survivors and affected communities,” she said on Friday (28/8).
She said the assessment was necessary to ensure that assistance matched conditions and needs in affected areas. The aid focused especially on vulnerable groups with specific needs. Supplies include sanitary pads, milk, blankets, diapers, baby clothing, medicines, and nutritious food for older people.
Local ‘Aisyiyah Board Opens Disaster Post
One distribution effort has been carried out by the Nagekeo ‘Aisyiyah Regional Board, which independently opened a disaster response post and distributed aid directly to affected residents. Wanti Ramadhan, a survivor from Kolikapa B in Mbay I Village, Aesesa District, Nagekeo Regency, said she had directly benefited from the post. She came there to obtain daily necessities for her family.
Wanti said she and her family had set up a makeshift tent near their home. The shelter is shared by nine households, totaling 35 people, including three elderly people, three toddlers, and a pregnant woman. She said the only assistance they had previously received was rice. Then, she came to the ‘Aisyiyah post seeking for other essential supplies. Those include sanitary pads, diapers, milk for toddlers, and bathing necessities.
“To ‘Aisyiyah Nagekeo, thank you very much for helping us after this disaster. We need sanitary pads, diapers, milk, and bathing supplies. We hope they can help us continue our lives in the tent,” she said.
Meeting Urgent Needs on the Ground
Istianah, Chairperson of the ‘Aisyiyah Nagekeo, said the assistance provided through the ‘Aisyiyah post was intended not only to meet the needs of vulnerable groups. It was also intended to address other urgent needs, including transportation for families requiring medical assistance.
“This morning, we delivered aid to a person with a disability living in an independent evacuation shelter. We also provided a small amount of money to help cover transportation costs for a sick family member. They will need to be referred from Mauponggo District to Bajawa,” Istianah said.
The Nagekeo ‘Aisyiyah Regional Leadership is part of ‘Aisyiyah’s broader humanitarian response for communities facing the impact of the earthquake.
Finally, by mobilizing the ‘Aisyiyah network and working alongside Muhammadiyah volunteers, the organization continues its response based on the needs identified among affected communities. The assistance is expected to reach more survivors, particularly vulnerable groups with specific needs.
