Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) has readied its personnel and equipment for evacuation ahead of potential flooding in the Jakarta-Bogor-Depok-Tangerang-Bekasi (Jabodetabek) area.

Head of Basarnas Vice Marshal Kusworo led the roll call for flood anticipation in Jakarta at the Basarnas office on Thursday that was attended by Basarnas personnel from Jabodetabek.

"This roll call aims to prepare our personnel for emergency response in handling floods that threaten the Jakarta area and its surroundings to be effective and efficient," Kusworo noted.

Apart from Basarnas personnel, he remarked that the roll call was also attended by volunteers, with a total of one thousand personnel on alert to handle flooding at any time.

Apart from checking his personnel, Kusworo also reviewed evacuation support equipment, such as rubber boats and underwater detection equipment.

"We also need to carry out optimal communication and coordination combined with adequate equipment. If the flood occurs, we can detect it and prepare for it," he stated.

He noted that flooding in the Jakarta area and its surroundings is forecast to occur due to high rainfall from November 2023 to February 2024.

In addition, high tidal waves on the north coast of Jakarta have resulted in tidal floods and extreme weather as a result of the transition from the dry to the rainy season that is influenced by the tropical cyclone El Nino, Kusworo stated.

He highlighted that preparedness, both in terms of personnel and equipment, is necessary to face the threat of floods that threatens the safety of the community, especially in the Jabodetabek area prone to flooding.

Moreover, intensive coordination with each personnel is also important for quick action to minimize casualties, he remarked.

"We still hope there will be no flooding. However, if it happens, we have prepared our team to provide maximum search and rescue services to the affected communities," he emphasized.

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Translator: Devi Nindy Sari R, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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