Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) urged local governments to evaluate early warning systems and community preparedness following the end of a tsunami warning issued after a powerful earthquake struck off the coast of Russia.
Head of the BNPB Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Center, Abdul Muhari, stated in Jakarta on Thursday that local authorities should reassess the effectiveness of evacuation routes, shelters, equipment readiness, and logistics.
He remarked that regular disaster preparedness drills are essential to reduce the potential impacts of future disasters, including property damage and loss of life.
The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) issued a tsunami warning in Indonesia after an 8.7-magnitude earthquake struck Kamchatka, Russia, on the morning of Wednesday, July 30. BMKG officially declared the tsunami warning over at 11:00 p.m. local time on the same day.
Baca juga: Wildfires near Singkawang Airport ravage 31 ha land: govt
According to BNPB, minor tsunami waves affected nine locations across Indonesia, though no damage or casualties were reported.
The nine affected areas included two locations each in Jayapura and West Papua and one location each in Central Halmahera, Papua, North Sulawesi, North Maluku, and Gorontalo.
Baca juga: Riau still epicenter of land, forest fires, BNPB says
In Gorontalo Province, around 100 people temporarily evacuated to a local Navy base, while residents in other areas moved to the homes of relatives located in safer areas.
BNPB reminded local authorities and coastal communities to remain alert for possible earthquakes and tsunamis, which can occur at any time. Strengthening early warning systems is considered crucial to ensure adequate evacuation time and to reduce disaster risks.
