We must be able to be better. We must think of how to prepare the community and building construction (to face earthquakes in the future) as part of efforts to mitigate their impact.
Pangkalpinang (ANTARA) - The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) is joining hands with experts to conduct research on the Sept-26 powerful earthquake and aftershocks in Maluku to unravel the reason behind the natural disaster and mitigate its risks.

"As of today, a total of 1,400 aftershocks were recorded, with 160 of them being felt by the people of Maluku," BNPB Chief Lt Gen. Doni Monardo stated in Pangkalpinang, the capital of Bangka Belitung Province, on Monday.

He deemed it necessary to make varied efforts to research the earthquake and aftershocks in Maluku.

He drew parallels between the earthquake and aftershocks in Maluku with those affecting West Nusa Tenggara Province in August last year.

The number of earthquakes and aftershocks in West Nusa Tenggara was relatively large, but they were not as aggressive in nature as those affecting the Maluku provincial capital of Ambon, he noted.

Related news: Death toll from Ambon quake rises to 34

Hence, the BNPB has invited various parties, experts, and researchers to unearth the secret behind the earthquake and aftershocks in Maluku, he remarked.

"In the near future, we will cooperate with ITB (the Bandung-based Institute of Technology) to install an earthquake-detecting sensor in Maluku to obtain more accurate data," he revealed.

Gauging from the epicenters of the earthquake and aftershocks on the three islands of Serang, Ambon, and Maluku, he affirmed that the BNPB should have better method to mitigate the impact of the natural disaster in future.

"We must be able to be better. We must think of how to prepare the community and building construction (to face earthquakes in future) as part of the efforts to mitigate their impact," he stated.

Maluku bore the brunt of a powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.5 that claimed the lives of over 30 people and injured tens of others. Related news: BNPB to organize fundraising event to help Ambon quake victims

Related news: Emergency response period for Maluku's recent earthquake extended

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Translator: Aprionis/Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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