Bandung (ANTARA) - West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil reminded all regional heads and the head of the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) in the province to stay alert amid the rainy season.

The governor urged them to increase regional preparedness for potential disasters.

"I have appealed to the regional and BPBD heads to stay on alert for this rainy season," Kamil stated at the Cikutra Heroes Cemetery (TMP) on Wednesday.

Since the rainy season is expected to last until early 2022, Kamil drew attention to the likelihood of two disasters striking during the rainy season: floods and landslides.

"The rainy season will last during the February-March period and usually resulted in two potential disasters -- floods and landslides -- that generally occur in the sloping area," he stated.

He reminded people in West Java to maintain the cleanliness of waterways, including ditches in the surrounding environment. He also called on the public to not litter any waterways.

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"This is because floods potentially arise owing to garbage clogging these systems. Hence, I remind people to always maintain cleanliness of their neighborhoods, including the waterways," he remarked.

The West Java provincial government also continues to reduce the likelihood of floods by building flood control infrastructure, including the Andir Retention Pool, which is planned to be completed in the next two months.

"The government continues to strive for disaster prevention, including the completion of the retention lake in Andir that will be built in two months to complete the Cieunteung Retention Lake in an effort to prevent potential floods in Citarum," Kamil added.

With flood control infrastructure in place, Kamil is optimistic that natural disasters would gradually decrease during the rainy season.

"However, if floods still occur, the media can compare the volume that has decreased than the previous year. However, we should not become arrogant since after all, it is a natural phenomenon. At least we have tried our best to prevent the disaster with our programs and methods," he added.


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Translator: Ajat Sudrajat, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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