Jakarta, Aug. 20 -- The Public Works Ministry is deploying public hydrants and clean water tankers to earthquake-affected communities in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) to address an acute water shortage, Public Works Minister Dody Hanggodo confirmed on Thursday.

Dody highlighted that clean water access has emerged as the most critical need for survivors, particularly given the dry geographic terrain of Flores Island.

"The most important thing right now is ensuring that the community's basic needs are met. Clean water must be available and immediately accessible to affected residents," the minister told reporters in Jakarta.

The Ministry's relief distribution is focusing heavily on displaced communities and essential public facilities across ...