La Nyalla Asks Gercep Local Government To Overcome The Impact Of Blitar Earthquake

JAKARTA - Chairman of DPD RI, AA La Nyalla Mahmud Mattalitti, asked the local government to move quickly (gercep) to overcome the impact of the earthquake centered in Blitar, East Java. The Blitar earthquake with a magnitude of 5.9 was also felt in a number of areas in East Java, even to Lombok, NTB, and Cilacap, Central Java.

In Blitar, the earthquake that occurred on Friday (5/21/2021) evening, resulted in one person injured and 112 buildings damaged. The earthquake also damaged 27 houses and 5 units of public facilities in Malang Regency, as well as 19 damaged houses in Lumajang.

"We are again grieving the earthquake disaster centered in Blitar and also impacted a number of surrounding areas. Hopefully the injured can be healed soon and there are no more reports of casualties from the earthquake," La Nyalla said, Saturday, May 22.

This senator from East Java asked the local government to respond to the disaster, so that recovery can also be done quickly.

"Local government must ensure the needs of its citizens, especially those affected by the earthquake. Make sure all needs are met. Local governments should work with BPBD, TNI/Polri, and other relevant agencies, to reach earthquake victims," he explained.

According to LaNyalla, the local government should prepare a proper shelter for residents whose homes were damaged by the earthquake. Similarly, the fulfillment of food and other needs should also be a concern.

"Especially now that it is a pandemic, the refuge must meet health protocol standards. Then also in the future, the local government should provide rehabilitation assistance for damaged houses, collapsed houses, and make sure public facilities can again function," he said.

The former Chairman of pssi urged the whole community, especially East Java, to remain vigilant. Because, earthquake activity is increasing, especially in coastal areas along the island of Java. He urged the public to monitor information from BMKG.

Based on BMKG records, Blitar earthquake is a destructive earthquake caused by rock faults in the Benioff Zone. The Benioff zone is a subduction and swooping part of the Ocean plate slab off the southern coast of East Java.

According to La Nyalla, in conditions such as the Blitar Earthquake, disaster management measures and disaster anticipation and mitigation are very important.  "We must learn from Japan which is the most earthquake prone country. The first is how to deal with earthquake disasters, then the second how to build building construction that is not easily collapsed because of the earthquake," he said.