"We endow funds in anticipation for disasters through BNPB, as a life insurance from the government," said the Minister in the State Palace today.
The Ministry also provided necessary logistic supplies to victims of flood and landslide in a number of areas in Central Java. The aid was given through the Regional Board for Disaster Management (BPBD) to each areas.
Aside from BPBD, the Ministry continuously correspond with local government to handle the disasters aftermath.
"I met the Governor and asked the situation in the area. The majority of the landslide was caused by heavy rainfall. The area is also prone to landslide to begin with," she remarked.
She further said that a number of anticipative and responsive steps have been taken including evacuating residents to safer areas, as well as isolating the areas that are prone to disasters. The search for missing victims is still carried out.
"We are awaiting reports from the team at the scene, as we have carried all the necessary actions to handle the situation. We are also coordinating with the Governors," Puan noted.
In the future, the Ministry is considering a relocation plan to ensure the safety of those residing in prone areas.
"We need to ensure surveillance on prone areas, especially when there is heavy rainfall, we have to make sure that no one stays in the area. We also continue to give socialization through district heads to build awareness among the people," she stated.
According to the latest report she received, Puan said there are 45 deaths caused mostly by landslide.
The number of people missing is still unknown as search efforts are still being carried out.
Puan noted that the Ministry have allocated approximately 300 million rupiahs to handle the situation through BNPB.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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