SUMEDANG, WEST JAVA — As the New Year loomed, Sumedang, West Java, was hit by a 4.8 magnitude earthquake, causing extensive damage to thousands of buildings. In immediate response, Dompet Dhuafa, through its Disaster Management Center (DMC), deployed its personnel on Monday (1/1/2024) to expedite emergency response measures.
The DMC team facilitated the evacuation of patients from the Cempaka Room at Sumedang General Hospital to emergency field tents. They were instrumental in relocating neonatal patients from the Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit on the 4th floor to safer areas on the 1st floor. The team also assisted survivors with injuries such as lacerations and dislocated ankles resulting from the collapse.
“Faisal Rahmiaji Rajasa, a representative of the Dompet Dhuafa West Java Team, reported from the site, ‘Upon arrival at Sumedang General Hospital, the team promptly aided in setting up field tents and evacuating the affected individuals.”
Baca juga: Dompet Dhuafa Bantu Penyisiran Wilayah Terdampak Gempa Bumi Turki
An initial assessment by the Dompet Dhuafa Team in the Cipameungpeuk neighborhood, South Sumedang District, identified 14 displaced households. Damage to buildings was observed to range from minor to moderate, while access to water, sanitation, communication, and electricity remained largely unaffected.
Immediate needs include logistical support and services such as warming stations, community kitchens, medical aid, sleeping materials, hygiene kits, and bathing essentials.
The Acting Regent of Sumedang has officially declared a seven-day emergency response period, spanning from 1 January 2024 to 7 January 2024.
Baca juga: Dompet Ummat Hadirkan Sarana Sanitasi Bagi Penyintas Gempa Bumi Cianjur
Herman Suryatman, the Acting Regent of Sumedang, stated, “An Emergency Response Status for the Earthquake Disaster in the Sumedang Regency area is hereby declared from 1 January 2024 to 7 January 2024.”
The initial earthquake occurred on Sunday (31/12/2023) at 2:35 PM local time,, measuring 4.1 in magnitude and affecting the Sumedang Regency. The tremors were felt across Cileunyi, Rancaekek, Lembang, Cicalengka, Garut, and Bandung.
Subsequently, at 3:38 PM local time on the same day, a 3.4 magnitude quake struck, followed by a stronger 4.8 magnitude quake at 8:34 PM local time, with tremors reaching Lembang and Subang.
On Monday (1/1/2024) at 8:46 PM local time, the region experienced another earthquake, this time measuring 4.5 in magnitude, with tremors felt as far as Jatinangor, Cirebon, and Rancakalong.
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) noted that 331 patients from Sumedang General Hospital, including 248 inpatients and 83 emergency department patients, were evacuated to the hospital’s yard and into five tents set up along the highway after the 4.8 M earthquake on Sunday (31/12/2023) at 8:34 PM local time. A swift assessment by a joint team revealed cracks in three hospital buildings, including the Pavilion, VIP, and Sakura.
Dompet Dhuafa, together with the DMC, calls on the public to maintain vigilance and preparedness at all times. (Dompet Dhuafa/DMC/AFP)