After three weeks in NTT, the ITS Humanitarian Task Force Uncovers Touching Stories of Survivors

East Nusa Tenggara, ITS News — Three weeks into the post-earthquake crisis, the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) Humanitarian Task Force is still actively reaching out to disaster survivors to distribute logistical aid in five districts in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). There, ITS volunteers have uncovered a number of touching stories about survivors who remain resilient and hopeful despite limitations.

The five areas targeted for aid are Sikka, Nagekeo, Ende, West Manggarai, and East Manggarai Regencies. Several areas are still experiencing aftershocks, and some survivors have not yet received aid. The ITS Humanitarian Task Force team is scheduled to remain in NTT for one month.

Ahmad Ramadhani Prakoso, a member of the ITS Humanitarian Task Force, also participated in logistical support for survivors. He and his team distributed tarpaulin tents, blankets, bags containing basic necessities, medicines, vitamins, and hygiene supplies. The team also assisted in the construction of a public kitchen to meet the survivors’ needs.

One particularly memorable experience occurred when Dhani, Ahmad Ramadhani Prakoso’s nickname, and his team were driving around Nagekeo Regency at night around 10:00 PM local time. Amidst the rubble from the earthquake, an elementary school child suddenly called out to them from a dark corner.

Dhani then approached the source of the sound. Beneath a cliff surrounded by dead rice fields, he found about 11 families huddled together in the freezing cold. Their house had collapsed, forcing them to sleep using burlap sacks as blankets.

Among them were also elderly people who were ill. Seeing this situation, Dhani and his team immediately distributed 11 tarpaulin tents and blankets to families in need. The aid was warmly received by the survivors. “We were served warm tea, and they thanked us repeatedly,” Dhani said, moved.

Another equally touching story occurred at the Sambirampas City Post, one of the team’s base camps. A seven-year-old boy named Lalang came to peek and slowly approached the volunteers, examining the supplies they were carrying.

Lalang then asked Dhani if ​​one of the bags was meant for him. He admitted he no longer had a bag or school uniform because they were buried with his collapsed house. Meanwhile, his father was sick, and his mother was working in the garden. “We don’t have a bag or a uniform anymore; everything was buried in our collapsed house, bro,” Lalang said.

Dhani was moved by this situation because, amidst the disaster, Lalang was still thinking about education. He gave the bag to Lalang. Lalang’s story serves as a reminder that even amidst the loss caused by disaster, the hope of returning to school remains alive.