Purwokerto, C Java (ANTARA) - Local governments must continue to intensify mitigation programs through the establishment of disaster-resilient villages, an academic from Jenderal Sudirman University (Unsoed) Dr. Indra Permanajati has said.

"In 2022, the establishment of disaster-resilient villages must be a priority program of the regional governments through disaster management agencies in each region," he remarked here on Monday.

Permanajati, who is also the coordinator for the Geological Disaster Mitigation Center of Unsoed, said the establishment of disaster-resilient villages should be prioritized in disaster-prone areas.

"Because the disaster-resilient village program will increase the community's capacity for dealing with disasters. This capacity-building will assist efforts to reduce disaster risk," he explained.

He said the mitigation or disaster risk reduction program will require the active role of the community to run well.

"Human resources, as part of disaster management, have a very significant role because strong human resources will support mitigation efforts, especially in disasters caused by humans. For example, flooding that is caused by the stagnant flow of rivers due to piles of garbage," he said.

Meanwhile, people still need to be provided an understanding of how they can protect themselves from disasters, he added.

"Hence, the disaster-resilient village program must become a mandatory program that must continue to be developed. The concept of disaster management now must start from a strong local community," he said.

The development of local communities will play a significant role in mitigating and handling disasters on a large scale, Permanajati explained.

"For example, in flood cases, the community must be optimistic that this flood can be overcome by optimally increasing local capacity, such as improving environmental cleanliness, promoting reforestation, and various other programs," he said.

Meanwhile, he also reiterated that mapping the potential for disasters at the sub-district or even village level needs to be strengthened in 2022.

"Mapping of potential disasters is very much needed to support mitigation efforts and identify regional vulnerabilities," he elaborated.

Mapping potential disasters in detail can help anticipate them, especially floods and landslides, he added.

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Translator: Katriana
Editor: Sri Haryati
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