"This joint drill is not a mere effort to anticipate the impacts of a potential megathrust earthquake theoretically since this activity entails a practical simulation against real disaster risks in West Sumatra," Basarnas head Kusworo said in Padang.
He informed that his office conducted a similar activity earlier in other disaster-prone regions across the country, including Aceh, Yogyakarta, Banten, Bali, and West Papua provinces.
Kusworo said that the simulation is expected to help build the readiness of local governments and people to face such an earthquake, considering that Indonesia is highly vulnerable to earthquakes due to its geographical location between the Indo-Australian and Pacific plates.
It should be noted that West Sumatra is home to some active volcanoes, which make it among the regions most susceptible to earthquakes and tsunamis in Indonesia, he added.
The SAR head then highlighted that the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) has forecast that West Sumatra could experience short spells of intense rainfall, which could further exacerbate the risk of hydrometeorological disasters.
"With that in mind, we need to keep building our preparedness. This kind of drill is essential to bolster prevention, mitigation, and preparatory measures in disaster-prone areas," he pointed out.
Meanwhile, West Sumatra acting governor Audy Joinaldy commended the Basarnas for its efforts to foster disaster preparedness in the province.
"Megathrust earthquake risks are real. Such an earthquake can affect a wide area across districts and cities," he highlighted.
The official expressed the hope that the joint simulation would serve as valuable momentum for governments and people in West Sumatra to forge synergy in anticipating a megathrust earthquake.
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Translator: Miko E, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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