Canada-Based Diaspora Channels Relief to West Manggarai Earthquake Survivors

RRI.CO.ID, Kupang - Stepping up recovery efforts long after initial shocks subside, the Indonesian diaspora in Calgary, Canada, has partnered with Dompet Dhuafa to deliver vital humanitarian aid to earthquake survivors in Gulung Turi Hamlet, Kempo Village, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

Announced on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, the relief initiative specifically prioritizes nutritional support and the protection of vulnerable groups, addressing the lingering destruction left by the disaster.

General Manager of Dompet Dhuafa's Disaster Management Center (DMC), Shofa Qudus, emphasized that the distribution targets families facing prolonged hardship, delivering a total of 20 support packages split between 11 staple food bundles and nine specialized kits tailored for mothers and children.

"Meeting nutritional needs and protecting vulnerable groups remains our primary focus in distributing this aid," Shofa stated in Kupang, as quoted by Antara, noting that staple packages secure household food supplies, while maternal and child kits ensure proper nutrition and essential comfort for toddlers amid post-disaster limitations.

The intervention addresses a massive recovery landscape across NTT where, according to data as of October 2, 2026, over 106,700 homes and thousands of public facilities -- including educational institutions, health centers, and houses of worship -- sustained significant damage.

Shofa pointed out that community needs do not vanish when emergency response phases conclude, making the rehabilitation of housing, schools, and basic services essential for restoring normalcy.

Since the earliest emergency phase, Dompet Dhuafa has reached 26,643 beneficiaries through various humanitarian services spanning health care, clean water, education, and search-and-rescue operations.

Feeding programs recorded the highest outreach with 8,589 participants, alongside thousands more served through food logistics, medical clinics, education, and psychological first aid.

For local residents like Alferdo, the external support provides a crucial lifeline for daily survival during recovery. "Thank you for the assistance given to our family," Alferdo expressed, adding that the relief means a great deal for meeting everyday needs and expressing hope that the donors' kindness will bring mutual blessings. ***