Trauma Support Provided for Children after NTT Earthquake

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The response to the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) is addressing both basic needs and the psychological well‑being of evacuees, including children.

To help children recover emotionally, the government is conducting trauma‑healing activities and operating a mobile library at the Samador Sports Hall evacuation center in Sikka Regency. The program is designed to help children continue age‑appropriate activities and meet their needs while away from home.

The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) said post‑disaster recovery involves more than providing food, shelter, and other necessities. The psychological and social well‑being of evacuees, especially children, also requires attention.

“The mobile library and trauma‑healing program at the Samador Sports Hall show that disaster management focuses on more than physical needs; it also addresses the community’s psychological and social well‑being,” said Acting Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center, Berton SP Panjaitan, on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

During the trauma‑healing sessions, children interact directly with facilitators and participate in activities designed to make the evacuation site more comfortable. Government‑led activities are packaged as educational games and group sessions, where children tell stories, sing, play together, and join other interactive activities.

This approach aims to help children cope with psychological stress after experiencing a disaster. Through enjoyable activities, children are expected to reduce anxiety.

“Children have a safe space to express their emotions. This helps them express their feelings and reduce anxiety and stress caused by the disaster,” Berton said.

In addition to trauma‑healing activities, evacuation centers provide access to mobile libraries so children can read, study, and engage in positive activities. The service, supported by the Sikka Regency Archives and Library Office, ensures that learning activities are not completely halted.

Reading and play activities at evacuation centers are expected to help children return to a more normal routine and temporarily divert their attention from the disaster situation.

BNPB hopes psychosocial support will continue while evacuees remain in shelters. Collaboration between the government, local administrations, volunteers, and community groups is considered essential to meeting the needs of vulnerable populations.

According to Berton, children require special attention in post‑disaster recovery. “These efforts are a crucial part of supporting the recovery process for disaster‑affected communities, especially vulnerable groups like children,” he said.

Trauma‑healing programs and mobile libraries demonstrate that recovery efforts for NTT earthquake victims are multifaceted. The government and relevant agencies are working to help residents, especially children, return to normal activities and recover from the disaster. (Misni Parjiati)