it needs to be anticipated at the earliest through disaster mitigation efforts
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Cultural Affairs reminded all stakeholders, especially in the regional government, to remain cautious and prepared for hydrometeorological disasters.

"Even though at this time, we are at the end of the rainy season, we must remain cautious of the risk of hydrometeorological disasters, considering the increased intensity of rains a while ago," the Assistant Deputy of Disaster Mitigation and Social Conflicts at the coordinating ministry, Andre Notohamijoyo, stated on Saturday.

He said the floods that struck some places in the country in February 2023 served as a warning for all stakeholders to keep their guards up in facing possible disasters that could occur abruptly.

Notohamijoyo stated that the governments of regions prone to such disasters should step up vigilance and formulate mitigation measures to address disaster risks.

"Measures that need to be taken are firstly, to improve readiness by optimizing the capacity of drainage and water management as well as the absorbency system and water collection to optimally prevent flood and landslides," he elaborated.

The second is to improve the capacity and reliability of water bodies, such as ponds, and man-made water collection system.

"It needs to be ensured that everything can operate well for containing and utilizing clean water as well as to control the risk of floods," he explained.

The third step was to raise the alert status if data from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency pointed at an increase in rainfall intensity that posed a risk of floods and landslides.

The fourth step is to tap into the potential and functions of the Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency, as the coordinator of disaster mitigation efforts.

"The fifth (measure) is to establish posts for flood disaster alert," he noted.

He also cautioned that the increased rainfall intensity could raise the risk of floods, landslides, and tornadoes.

"Thus, it needs to be anticipated at the earliest through disaster mitigation efforts," Notohamijoyo emphasized.

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Translator: Wuryanti Puspitasari, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Sri Haryati
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