"The recurrences of earthquakes and tsunamis remain potential. Therefore, we must take precautionary measures, including providing more shelters," he said in Padang, the capital of West Sumatra province, on Thursday.
There are several shelters in Padang city and some other areas that can be used for accommodating evacuees if a powerful earthquake and tsunami occur, Mahyeldi added.
He, however, highlighted the importance of providing more shelters for evacuees. Any quake-proof building can be used for sheltering those affected by catastrophes.
"Mosques, schools, and markets that are located in crowded places can be used as shelters as long as the buildings are quake-resistant," he said.
To enable them to be used as evacuation centers, the regional governments need to make a list of the quake-proof buildings in their administrative areas, he added.
In addition to that, regional administrations should also provide accessible and safe evacuation routes and zones, as well as conduct regular disaster mitigation drills for residents, he said.
Early morning on Tuesday (April 25, 2023), a 6.9-magnitude earthquake rocked areas in Mentawai Islands district in West Sumatra, causing locals to flee their homes.
The tremors of the powerful earthquake were also felt by many residents in other cities and districts in the province.
Earthquakes regularly rock Indonesia since the country lies on the Circum-Pacific Belt, also known as the Ring of Fire, where several tectonic plates meet and cause frequent volcanic and seismic activities.
West Sumatra had experienced a deadly earthquake measuring 7.9 in magnitude on September 30, 2009. The Padang quake killed at least 383 people and destroyed many government buildings and houses.
About five years before the Padang earthquake, on December 26, 2004, Aceh recorded its deadliest-ever earthquake, which was followed by a tsunami.
The catastrophe that also affected some coastal areas of other countries, such as Thailand, Sri Lanka, and India, reportedly killed at least 230 thousand people.
Related news: BPBD confirms no damage, casualties so far from Mentawai quake
Related news: Padang residents stay away from sea after Mentawai-Siberut quake: BNPB
Translator: Miko E, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Tia Mutiasari
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