Lubuk Basung, West Sumatra (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) ensured that the government would assist the relocation process for hundreds of residents affected by the flash flood and cold lava disasters in West Sumatra.

"There are 625 damaged houses in West Sumatra, with 159 of them being severely damaged. If they have to be relocated, we are ready to support them. I have ordered the PUPR Ministry to start the work immediately," he stated during a visit to the disaster site and refugee camps for residents of Agam District, West Sumatra, on Tuesday.

The president noted that for the relocation process, the residents and the local government must reach a mutual agreement for the approved location.

"The governor and the district head had prepared the land. The plotting for the relocation would immediately be arranged," he said.

The head of state remarked that around 100 residents had agreed to the relocation, both in the districts of Agam and Tanah Datar and several other areas affected by the West Sumatra flood disaster.

"We will not rebuild houses in danger routes. They must be relocated. Of the 159, there are 100 who have agreed to relocate, while the rest are still in the process," he revealed.

The president also called for continuing the disaster mitigation efforts, especially the evacuation of victims who have not been found.

"Based on my review, the evacuation for missing victims must be continued. Meanwhile, the stock for daily logistics is safe for the next three weeks," he stated.

According to Jokowi, disaster mitigation has been carried out well, starting from evacuation and handling of refugees as well as the process of repairing emergency roads and bridges.

"After a calculation carried out by the PUPR Ministry, we need a building structure to slow down and control lava flows. Currently, there are only two. I have asked to build more in strategic locations," Jokowi remarked.

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Translator: Altas Maulana, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Tia Mutiasari
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