Jokowi Will Go To West Sumatra, Review Bandang Flood Handling

TANAH DATAR - Head of the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) Lt. Gen. Suharyanto said President Joko Widodo continues to monitor developments in handling the Mount Marapi cold lava flood disaster that occurred in West Sumatra (West Sumatra).

"The president specifically expressed his deep condolences. He monitors disaster management activities every day in West Sumatra," said the Head of BNPB in Tanah Datar Regency as reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, May 15.

In fact, said the Head of BNPB, in the near future the President is scheduled to visit the Minang realm to see and ensure that the handling of the hydrometeorological disaster that occurred on Saturday (11/5) night runs quickly.

"Every day the President asks for reports on disaster management and management in West Sumatra," said Lt. Gen. Suharyanto.

During his working visit to West Sumatra, the Head of BNPB said that Agam Regency, Tanah Datar Regency and Padang Panjang City were the three areas most severely affected by the disaster. Until now, BNPB has recorded at least 58 people died due to the cold lava flood of Mount Marapi.

Based on the report received by BNPB, the search team is still looking for the whereabouts of 35 residents who have yet to be found. The government also ensures that it will provide love or compensation to the heirs of the deceased victims.

"The joint team will continue to search for 6x24 hours of victims who have not been found," he emphasized.

However, if within that period there are still victims who have not been found, he said, then the follow-up will be confirmed or coordinated with the heirs.

"If the heirs still ask to find them, then we will look for them. Hopefully, they can meet in a safe condition," he hoped.

While in the Minang area, Lt. Gen. Suharyanto has visited locations affected by the cold lava flood disaster. BNPB ensured that all damaged facilities and infrastructure were immediately repaired by the government.

"The damaged roads, broken bridges and all affected infrastructure starting yesterday and so on are being tried to return to normal," he said.