"Disaster preparedness needs to be a part of the culture of all Acehnese people," said Azwardi, Aceh's acting regional secretary, during the commemoration event for the 2024 Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Month on Tuesday.
He also conveyed the provincial government's commitment to reducing the impact of disasters by encouraging mitigation efforts and promoting awareness of unpredictable natural disasters.
He highlighted that disasters can strike at any time; therefore, it is important for the public to increase their knowledge and awareness as part of disaster mitigation efforts.
"Aceh is a disaster-prone region. The tsunami tragedy two decades ago reminds us to remain vigilant and proactive in disaster mitigation. Always prepare yourself for the worst possibilities," Azwardi said.
Aceh was severely hit by a massive tsunami on December 26, 2004, following an undersea earthquake with a magnitude of 9.1. The province was the hardest-hit region, with over 170,000 people losing their lives.
Azwardi stated that the provincial government has developed a disaster preparedness and mitigation strategy that involves increasing equipment and resources.
Additionally, collaboration with the central government, the armed forces, the police, the community, and volunteers is urgently needed to achieve optimal preparedness.
"With such good synergy, we hope that Aceh can become a model of disaster preparedness for other regions in Indonesia. Collaboration in disaster mitigation is key to minimizing risks and reducing impacts," Azwardi said.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reminded the public to remain alert to the risks of disasters such as floods and landslides, especially during the rainy season, in addition to earthquakes and tsunamis.
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Translator: Rahmat F, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
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