"This is the bitter reality."Mukomuko, Bengkulu (ANTARA News) - The Mukomuko district of Bengkulu province is likely to have a powerful earthquake and a devastating tsunami any moment, according to Mukomuko district head Ichwan Yunus.
"I don`t mean to frighten the public, but let us be vigilant at all times because our province is an earthquake-prone area in Indonesia," he said here on Friday.
Speaking to the newsmen at his office, Ichwan called on the print and electronic media to inform the public so that local residents could stay prepared for a possible earthquake and a tsunami that might strike without warning.
"Based on the analysis of experts, an earthquake measuring 8.9 on the Richter scale will probably happen at any moment. Therefore, we should take serious heed of the analysis," he said.
Bengkulu is not only prone to earthquakes, but also to tsunami, particularly when an earthquake measuring more than 6 on the Richter scale occurs.
"This is the bitter reality, but people should know the facts so they can remain alert," Ichwan stated.
Experts have predicted a series of natural disasters in the region from 2011-14, because of the movement of earth's plates below Bengkulu province.
If the movement is extreme, it could cause an earthquake and even tsunami.
All the district chiefs were expected to prepare for any natural calamity by conducting disaster simulation exercises frequently and allocating more funds for disaster management.
(Uu.O001/INE/KR-BSR)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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