Some residential areas are located close to fault lines, thereby making them unsafe and prone to disaster
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The 6.6-magnitude earthquake that rattled Banten Province on Friday, January 14, caused damage to 166 villages in 48 sub-districts, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs Muhadjir Effendy said.

"The earthquake that struck on January 14, 2022, caused damage in 166 villages in 48 sub-districts. Some regions that reported more severe damage are the Sumur, Cikeusik, and Cimanggu sub-districts in Pandeglang District and Lebak District," Effendy noted during a seminar here on Tuesday.

The coordinating minister lauded the coordination between ministries and government institutions for the successful disaster response mission undertaken following the earthquake.

"Ministries and government institutions have fulfilled our expectations in conducting proper disaster and emergency response missions. The Social Affairs Ministry, Health Affairs Ministry, and the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) have conducted their duties properly along with the Pandeglang and Lebak district authorities as well with the police and army officers," he affirmed.

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The current disaster response will focus on rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts, Effendy noted, adding that the government is currently considering to relocate some families whose homes are located in disaster-prone areas.

The Pandeglang district head has also suggested to the authority to assist with the relocation of some families away from disaster-prone areas to safer locations, he remarked.

"Some residential areas are located close to fault lines, thereby making them unsafe and prone to disaster," Effendy noted.


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The government will first gather more suggestions before giving due thought to the inputs along with relevant ministries and government institutions, the coordinating minister stated.

The government will also assist with the renovation of damaged public facilities, especially schools, public health centers, and worship places, he confirmed.

"We will also prioritize schools and Islamic schools apart from public health centers, mosques, and other places of worship. Thereafter, we will focus on other public facilities," Effendy noted.


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Translator: Anita Permata D, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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