NTB Allocates IDR 16.4B from Emergency Fund After 108 Disasters

RRI.CO.ID, Mataram – The West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Provincial Administration has recorded 108 disasters across the region in the first quarter of 2026. NTB Governor, Lalu Muhammad Iqbal, confirmed that IDR 16.4 billion (USD 965,012) has been earmarked to mitigate the impact on social and economic stability in affected subdistricts.

"The amount allocated is IDR 16.4 billion. How much will eventually be disbursed depends on the analysis of specific needs that must be resolved," Governor Iqbal said, on Sunday, March 5, 2025.

He emphasized that while the budget may seem modest, it is intended to provide essential support to municipal and regency administration. "We are prioritizing the most essential sectors to reactivate the economy. We cannot allow these disasters to become a permanent barrier to the socio-economic life of the community," he added.

As reported by Antara, data released by the NTB Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) reveals a volatile start to the year between January and March.

According to BPBD Head, Sadimin, the 108 recorded events were dominated by hydrometeorological disasters, including 60 floods, 35 instances of extreme weather, 10 landslides, and three tidal waves or coastal abrasions. Notably, there were no reported cases of earthquakes, forest fires, droughts, or volcanic eruptions during this period.

The human and material toll of these events has been significant. Sadimin reported that the disasters resulted in five fatalities and 11 injuries, affecting a total of 77,872 residents. The regional housing sector suffered extensive damage, with 487 units affected, including 25 categorized as severely damaged and over 21,558 units inundated by floodwaters.

Geographically, Bima Regency emerged as the most vulnerable area, accounting for 36 of the total incidents. Other regions saw varying levels of impact, ranging from 18 cases in West Lombok to a low of two incidents in Bima City.

The destruction extended beyond residential areas to vital public infrastructure and basic services. Damage was reported to 36 educational facilities, 12 bridges, five healthcare centers, and over 5.7 kilometers of road networks. Crucial utilities were also disrupted, including 14 power grids and 700 meters of clean water piping.

"These disasters have also impacted the socio-economic sector, damaging 1,409 meters of rice fields, 60 hectares of fish ponds, and 18 shops or stalls," explained Sadimin.

As the provincial administration begins the recovery process, the focus remains on restoring these vital supply chains and infrastructure to ensure regional resilience. ***