Food Aid Distributed to Flood Victims in Pekalongan: Government Steps in to Provide Relief
In a collaborative effort, the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs, together with the National Food Agency (Bapanas) and the Central Java provincial government, took swift action to distribute essential aid to flood victims in Pekalongan District. The distribution, which took place on Saturday, aimed to provide much-needed support to those affected by the devastating floods.
“We collaborated to distribute food supplies to our brothers and sisters affected by the flood in Pekalongan. The Central Java provincial government brought 10 tons of rice with several deliveries,” shared Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan during the relief effort.
In addition to the significant rice donation, the government also provided essential supplies like cooking oil and sugar, generously donated by several business partners. These items were distributed to those in need across three flood-affected locations in Pekalongan, offering a lifeline to those grappling with the aftermath of the natural disaster.
Central Java acting governor, Nana Sudjana, emphasized the importance of a collective response to natural disasters, stating that addressing such challenges is a shared responsibility. He underscored the need for proactive measures, urging all district/city governments to remain vigilant and prepared for potential disasters, especially in light of increasingly extreme weather conditions.
President Prabowo Subianto, recognizing the urgency of the situation, instructed the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) to mobilize quickly in response to the floods and landslides in Pekalongan district. He called for seamless coordination between the BNPB, local government, and relevant agencies to ensure efficient and targeted distribution of aid to those affected.
The recent flooding in Pekalongan, triggered by prolonged rainfall earlier in the week, has had devastating consequences, with landslides and floods impacting multiple districts in Central Java. Tragically, the landslide in Petungkriyono, Pekalongan, resulted in 25 fatalities, including a five-month-old baby, while one individual remains missing.
The President extended his deepest condolences to those affected by the disaster, highlighting the need for swift and effective response measures to mitigate the impact of such calamities. As efforts continue to assist flood victims in Pekalongan, the spirit of solidarity and support shines through, demonstrating the resilience and unity of communities in times of crisis.
