Antara News·Indonesia·Sunday, August 16, 2026 at 07:51 AM

NTT quake: National Police deploy K-9 unit, SAR team

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Nadia Putri Rahmani, Yashinta Difa

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Police has deployed a search and rescue (SAR) team, including K-9 search dogs, heavy logistics, and specialized aircraft to reinforce disaster response efforts following a major earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

"Specifically for the SAR competency of the Wildlife Police Directorate, we are deploying 21 personnel along with 10 K-9 dogs, who are competent to search for victims," Head of the Public Information Bureau of the National Police Public Relations Division Brigadier General Trunoyudo Wisnu Andiko said here on Sunday.

In addition to personnel, the team transported approximately 2.5 tons of operational equipment and logistical aid.

The cargo includes medical supplies, field tents, food rations, supplies for vulnerable groups, and 10 portable Wi-Fi units intended to restore communications in affected districts.

"Communication is crucial there. When communication is accessible, information about conditions on the ground will also be obtained more quickly," Trunoyudo explained.

He emphasized that speed remains a vital factor in life-saving operations. Upon arrival, the relief team will coordinate directly with the NTT Regional Police to map out search priorities and task allocations.

The initial relief deployment targets heavily impacted areas across Sikka, Manggarai and East Manggarai Regencies.

The personnel and logistics were scheduled to depart from Pondok Cabe Airport in South Tangerang aboard a National Police aircraft bound for Labuan Bajo, a flight expected to take roughly three hours.

To maximize mobility, the police force has also readied three AW169 helicopters to air-drop supplies into isolated areas hampered by damaged land access. These assets complement a National Police CASA transport aircraft previously stationed in the region to facilitate inter-island logistics.

Trunoyudo confirmed that relief shipments will remain continuous, with follow-up airlifts scheduled to address emerging needs on the ground.

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