"... we were not informed about it."
Mukomuko (ANTARA News) - The Mukomuko district in Bengkulu province needs tsunami warning sirens for the local people to remain alert of tsunami disaster at any moment, district head Ichwan Yunus said here on Sunday.

"Mukomuko is in need of tsunami warning sirens. We do not know the whereabouts of the previous siren assistance because we were not informed about it," Ichwan said.

He noted that he even had no idea where the previous siren assistance was placed, and whether it functioned properly or not.

Ichwan said the need of sirens was one of the district government`s efforts in preparing the local people to face an unexpected powerful earthquake and tsunami.

Earlier on Friday, Ichwan said Mukomuko district was likely to have a powerful earthquake and a devastating tsunami any moment.

"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.
(Uu.O001/B003)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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