The Social Affairs Ministry ensures that logistic assistance is always ready. The president's instruction is clear that we must distribute the assistance in the event of natural disaster. For this part, we have readied almost 39,000 volunteers,
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Social Affairs Ministry has readied nearly 39 thousand volunteers as a precautionary measure to address the impact of the La Nina weather phenomenon in the country at the end of this year.

"The Social Affairs Ministry ensures that logistical assistance is always ready. The president's instruction is clear that we must distribute the assistance in the event of a natural disaster. To this end, we have readied almost 39,000 volunteers," Social Affairs Minister Juliari Batubara stated during a virtual press conference here on Tuesday.

The volunteers remain on high vigil despite no disaster. As such, if a disaster occurs, the ministry will promptly instruct volunteers to distribute assistance and conduct other activities in the affected areas.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues unabated, the ministry will gauge the condition of affected areas to determine the technique of evacuating disaster victims, he stated.

Tents to shelter disaster victims will be set up in accordance with the health protocols, including restricting the number of evacuees in each tent, he remarked.

The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has cautioned that the La Nina weather phenomenon will potentially affect all parts of the country, except Sumatra, particularly from October to November 2020.

However, Sumatra will receive heavy rainfall owing to its local topography, according to the agency.

At a limited meeting held to discuss hydrometeorological disasters on Tuesday, President Joko Widodo urged his ranks and files to brace for such disasters and take precautionary measures against the impact of the La Nina weather phenomenon on farm and fishery production.
Related news: BMKG projects above-normal rainfall in 27.5% of Indonesian territory

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