The regional governments (must) prepare (measures) to anticipate, mitigate (disasters)
Medan, North Sumatra (ANTARA) - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin has asked regional governments to remain prepared for potential disasters at the end of the year, with the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency forecasting the early occurrence of high-intensity rainfall.

"The regional governments (must) prepare (measures) to anticipate, mitigate (disasters), so that we do not prepare it (at the last minute) when it happens, but earlier because this is a disaster that always comes every year," Amin said in Medan, North Sumatra, on Wednesday.

Apart from climate, environmental damage can also cause disasters. Regional governments must be able to anticipate such events so that the impact of the disaster is not as severe, he said.

"Disasters always exist, (terrible) situations are impossible to avoid, and what we expect is minimizing the impact of disasters on the community. For example, they have to evacuate and be better prepared in (determining) what sort of house (they should build) so that they are not flooded, and then (they can) be moved to a higher area," he said.

Amin also said that he had reminded regional governments to allocate adequate budgets for disaster mitigation efforts.

"When there are casualties, I also requested the Social Affairs Minister to anticipate (the effects or aftermath of) flood-affected areas as early as possible; and the regions (must) also (allocate) budgets for disaster mitigation, and many things must be done," he added.

Earlier in Aceh, the Vice President had appealed to all regional governments to expedite disaster mitigation education. The appeal was based on a warning of adverse natural events caused by extreme weather changes issued by the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency.

He also suggested several disaster mitigation measures that can be taken, such as preparing temporary shelters, emergency kitchens, and healthcare.

"Raise vigilance because the impact of climate change and extreme weather cannot be fully predicted accurately. We, as a nation of learners, should be able to take the experience of disasters in the past as a valuable lesson," he remarked.

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Translator: Juraidi, Andika, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Sri Haryati
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