Jakarta (ANTARA) - Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR) Puan Maharani asked the government and relevant institutions to be vigilant of potential disasters, especially hydrological disasters, at the end of the year.
She assessed that preparedness to ensure the safety of people is needed.
"The government must be aware of natural disasters during the year-end holidays because now we have entered the rainy season, which has the potential for hydrological disasters," she said in a statement received in Jakarta on Sunday.
Earlier, disasters hit several regions in Indonesia. For example, in North Aceh District, most of its areas have been surrounded by floods since December 24. The floods affected more than 44 thousand residents.
Apart from that, floods and landslides also occurred in several locations in Lima Puluh Kota District, North Sumatra, on Tuesday (December 26). In Madina District, North Sumatra, a landslide cut off access to the West Coast. Floods also hit 16 villages in Prabumulih City, South Sumatra, although now they have gradually receded.
Moreover, strong winds also hit the Dago area, Bandung District, West Java, on Friday (December 29). Heavy rain, accompanied by strong winds, caused several trees to fall and the roofs of houses to be damaged.
To this end, Maharani reminded regional governments to increase anticipation against disasters such as potential extreme rains, floods, storms, forest fires, landslides, strong winds, and whirlwinds, especially in areas that are prone to disasters.
She expressed support for the efforts of the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agencies (BPBD) that created integrated posts with other relevant institutions as part of anticipatory measures against the potential of disasters in various regions.
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The preparation of logistical assistance for disaster victims is also deemed essential to be optimal in each region.
“The disaster preparedness post in each region must be active so that an immediate response can be taken when a disaster risk arises. Enhance monitoring and regular evaluation measures," she remarked.
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DPR asks govt to beware of hydrological disasters at year end
Aerial photo of a flooded residential area in Mudung Laut, Jambi, Friday (December 29, 2023). ANTARA FOTO/Wahdi Septiawan/foc.
