Landslide Hits 3 Subdistricts, Kulon Progo Regency Government Sets Emergency Response Status For Hydrometeorological Disaster Management

A resident near a landslide in the Menoreh Hill area in Kulon Progo Regency. (ANTARA/HO-TRC Girimulyo)

KULON PROGO - The Government of Kulon Progo Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) has determined the Emergency Response Status for Hydrometeorological Disaster Management as outlined in the Regent's Decree Number 427/A/2021. This status is valid from 18 November to 1 December 2021.

The Head of BPBD Kulon Progo Joko Satyo Agus Nahrowi said that the reasons behind the issuance of the Emergency Response Status for Handling Hydrometeorological Disasters were the occurrence of landslides in three sub-districts, namely Kokap, Samigaluh, and Girimulyo, as well as information from the BMKG.

"In connection with climate change and extreme weather in Kulon Progo Regency which has an impact on high rainfall, so that landslides, floods, and strong winds have the potential to cause casualties and material losses, we have established an Emergency Response Status for Hydrometeorological Disaster Management," he said in Jakarta. Kulon Progo, Antara, Friday, November 26.

He said the threat from hydrometeorological disasters in the Kulon Progo area is still high and requires prompt and appropriate handling according to procedures to deal with the impacts. With this disaster emergency response status, the Kulon Progo BPBD can also use the Unexpected Cost Budget (BTT) for the 2021 Fiscal Year as needed.

"We can also take steps and actions that are deemed necessary in the context of handling hydrometeorological disasters," he said.

Based on the results of the mapping, the areas that have the potential for landslides are Kokap, Girimulyo, Samigaluh, Kalibawang, some Pengasih, and part Nanggulan sub-districts.

Areas with potential for flooding include Temon, Wates, Panjatan, Galur, Lendah, and Sentolo. The threat of flooding in Wates and Panjatan is due to the potential overflow of the Serang River, while Temon is in the Bogowonto River.

"Things that need to be prepared in relation to the equipment needed already exist. Then, repair evacuation routes to facilitate evacuation in the event of floods and landslides," he said.

Kulon Progo DPRD member Edi Priyono said as long as there was normalization of the Serang River and Bogowonto River, the potential for disasters in Wates, Temon, Panjatan, Galur, and Lendah could be overcome. This can be seen, since the normalization of the Serang River, flooding in Panjatan and Wates sub-districts in 2020 has ceased to exist.

"In the future, we hope for the normalization of rivers and creeks, so that they can reduce the impact of floods," he said.