At a national coordination meeting here on Wednesday with several representatives of the central and regional governments, BMKG Head Dwikorita Karnawati highlighted the increasing threat of natural disasters related to La Nina this year. Furthermore, the intensity of earthquakes in Indonesia has soared.
Earthquake and tsunami mitigation and early warning, as well as extreme weather and climate conditions are pressing matters that necessitate preparations and bolstering efforts, she noted.
"Problems and gaps between the central government and regions must be identified and addressed immediately to increase effectiveness in ensuring zero victims," Karnawati remarked in a statement.
A moderate La Nina phenomenon is projected to cause an increase in rainfall from October to November and will have an impact in almost all parts of Indonesia, except for Sumatra.
Historical records indicate that La Nina can lead to an increase in the accumulated monthly rainfall in Indonesia by 20-40 percent above normal.
The data of seismic monitoring conducted by the BMKG since 2017 indicated a trend of increasing earthquake activity in Indonesia in terms of both the number and strength.
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Before 2017, Indonesia bore witness to between four thousand and six thousand earthquakes annually, of which some 200 have a magnitude or strength of above five. However, after 2017, the figure rose to over seven thousand earthquakes annually, while in 2018, it was recorded 11,920 times, and 11,588 earthquakes occurred in 2019.
"Let us formulate alternative solutions to the problems that will be identified later, and in the end, prepare a joint action plan to realize zero victims in the face of multiple hydrometeorological disasters, such as earthquakes and tsunamis," she stated.
Responding to these findings, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, also present at the virtual meeting, appealed to all ministries and agencies as well as local governments to work together in responding to potential disaster information submitted by the BMKG.
"Please take this seriously. All ministers and institution chiefs, governors, and district heads are required to increase their awareness, especially since we are still reeling from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, we address these together," Pandjaitan stated.
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Translator: Roy Rosa B, Fardah
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Copyright © ANTARA 2020
