HEYBALI – A two-year-old boy has died at an emergency shelter in Flores, Nusa Tenggara Timur, after his family says exposure to cold temperatures and inadequate supplies at the site caused his health to deteriorate rapidly following last week’s earthquake.
Mario Calviano Guru, from Nagekeo, died on Thursday, August 20, after being sheltered at the Bukit Puta evacuation post following the magnitude earthquake that struck the region on August 15.
Shelter Conditions Described as Severely Limited
Afik, a local volunteer, confirmed the child’s death, describing him as one of several children sheltering with their families amid limited facilities at the site.
According to Afik, Calviano’s health declined steadily during his time at the shelter. A shortage of blankets left much of Marapokot Village’s population exposed to cold nighttime temperatures, a situation compounded by an ongoing clean water shortage at the site.
“This child fell ill, was treated, but ultimately passed away,” Afik said.
Transferred Between Two Hospitals Before His Death
Before he died, Calviano was rushed to Aeramo Hospital, then referred to Bajawa Hospital due to a high fever. According to family members, the fever caused his body to stiffen and led to seizures.
A family member identified as Jack said the child had been healthy prior to the shelter conditions affecting him. “This child was previously healthy and full of energy. He got sick because of exposure to the cold at the shelter. That’s what has hit me so hard,” he said.
A Family’s Urgent Appeal for Government Assistance
Jack called on the government to act immediately to address conditions facing displaced residents who remain without tents or adequate facilities.
“We are asking for immediate help. This is a serious situation. The child who died was only two years old. He fell ill simply because of the limited conditions on the hill, without a mosquito net, without a tent. As a family, I speak with deep grief over the loss of my nephew,” he said.
According to a volunteer from Askar Kauny relief post, Calviano’s case is not isolated. Many other survivors continue facing cold conditions, inadequate shelter, limited medicine, and other basic needs, all while coping with the trauma of continued aftershocks in the region.
The child’s death underscores how urgently basic supplies, blankets, tents, and mosquito nets, are needed at evacuation sites across the earthquake-affected region, particularly for young children who face the greatest health risks from prolonged exposure to cold and inadequate shelter following a disaster.
