"This incident occurred at 2 p.m. local time," acting head of the South Minahasa Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), Thorie R. Joseph, informed in Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi.
The coastal abrasion hit Bitung and Uwuran Satu Villages in Amurang Sub-district, he added.
It eroded a bridge, a boulevard road, a beach wall, and several residents' homes, which were swept away by sea waves, he said.
"When BPBD got the information, it went directly to the scene," he added.
The BPBD's quick response team conducted a quick review of the area, followed by the South Minahasa district government officials.
"The regional secretary, several office heads, and other relevant agencies have witnessed the consequences of the abrasion directly," Joseph said.
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The coastal abrasion did not cause any casualties nor injuries, he added.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) head, North Sulawesi governor, South Minahasa district head, and North Sulawesi BPBD acting head have been apprised of the disaster, he said.
According to the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries' (KKP's) website, planting mangroves can help prevent coastal abrasion.
The powerful roots of mangrove trees can prevent waves and ocean currents from lashing the coast and eroding rocks and soil in the coastal area, it added.
Another measure is preserving coral reefs because they can serve as breakwaters, the ministry informed. Thus, they can minimize abrasion.
Furthermore, prohibiting sand mining can also reduce the risk of coastal abrasion.
Banning sand mining in certain areas is the duty and responsibility of local and central governments, and such bans can be implemented through government regulations.
An adequate supply of sand in the ocean can prevent waves from reaching the coastline, as per information provided on the ministry's website.
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Translator: Karel P, Kenzu T
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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