“Strengthening disaster mitigation programs is essential to minimize the risks that may arise,” Deputy for Coordination of Regional Development Equity and Disaster Management of the ministry Sudirman noted when contacted on Monday.
Sudirman remarked that the mitigation programs encompassed the installation of disaster early detection tools at several locations prone to natural disasters.
In addition, the deputy encouraged regional governments to ready personnel and supporting equipment and rev up the establishment of disaster-resilient villages as one of the efforts of community-based disaster mitigation.
“Regional governments also need to optimize the role and function of the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) as coordinator in the handling of disasters, such as floods and landslides,” he remarked.
Moreover, Sudirman called on the regional governments to encourage the community to form natural disaster alert command posts.
The Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture highlighted that the increase in rainfall intensity could potentially increase the risks of disaster events, such as floods, flash floods, and landslides.
“Regional governments with (regions that have) high risks of those disasters must take mitigation measures and increase preparedness based on disaster risk,” he emphasized.
The ministry also reminded of the importance of preventing disasters by optimizing the drainage and water management systems as well as infiltration and storage systems to prevent floods and landslides.
Academician from Jenderal Soedirman University (Unsoed) Indra Permanajati stated that the management of flood-prone areas is the main key to flood disaster mitigation.
“The management of the area must be conducted comprehensively, including of upstream and downstream areas. If the handling is only focused on the downstream area, then the water conditions will remain difficult to control,” he explained.
Related news: Bali government should exercise vigil against potential flash flood
Related news: Banda Aceh, Kamaishi city continue disaster mitigation partnership
Related news: BNPB provides aid for post-disaster recovery in Trenggalek
Translator: Wuryanti Puspitasari, Raka Adji
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
