Apart from conducting it (disaster mitigation dissemination) inclusively, it also needs to be carried out sustainably,
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has highlighted the importance of disseminating the results of research on earthquake mitigation among construction stakeholders, considering the large-scale damage to buildings in Turkey in the latest disaster.

“…do not let the results of studies conducted by universities, related institutions, and the BMKG untold to the parties (construction companies) who apply the building code," head of the BMKG, Dwikorita Karnawati, stressed at a press conference at the BMKG headquarters here on Thursday.

A number of experts from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) have carried out several studies regarding the impact of the 7.7-magnitude quake in Turkey on February 6, 2023, she added.

The studies have temporarily concluded that there was inadequate collaboration among researchers and construction stakeholders in applying the results of the studies to strengthen the building code, she pointed out.

Furthermore, strict implementation of law enforcement regarding the application of building codes and disaster mitigation regulations is also required, the BMKG head said.

Seismic research, monitoring system, analysis, and ground motion studies must also be bolstered to mitigate the impact of earthquakes, she added.

In addition, the seismic hazard map should be updated based on the latest research results, since not all earthquake-triggering faults have been documented, Karnawati said.

She noted that a national earthquake and tsunami consortium of experts from various universities and institutions in Indonesia has been established.

The consortium aims to strengthen research on earthquakes and tsunamis, thus the results of the studies can be applied by the BMKG or other related stakeholders, she added.

“Strengthening the literacy, education, and advocacy (on disaster mitigation) inclusively is also important,” she remarked.

The BMKG head emphasized that the information on disaster mitigation should be disseminated to the whole community, including to people with special needs, regardless of their gender.

Hence, the dissemination should be carried out through various informal and formal activities in public places, including mosques, churches, and schools, she emphasized.

“Apart from conducting it (disaster mitigation dissemination) inclusively, it also needs to be carried out sustainably,” she added.




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Translator: Devi Ramadhan, Uyu Liman
Editor: Tia Mutiasari
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