Jakarta, Dec. 7 -- The Disaster Response Task Force of the Bukit Barisan District Military Command has airdropped assistance to disaster-affected residents in isolated areas of North Tapanuli District, North Sumatra.

Head of Information for the Bukit Barisan Command, Colonel Asrul Kurniawan Harahap said in a statement on Sunday that aid distribution operations will continue as land routes gradually reopen at several points.

"Airdrops are the most effective method when roads remain closed. We are ensuring that the Army Chief of Staff's assistance reaches all affected locations," Harahap said.

The airdrop mission used a Bell M-412 helicopter, as access by land was still blocked by landslides. The operation was carried out as a rapid resp...